Wills, Probate & Elderly Client

Loss of Mental Capacity

Our experienced team are here to help

If someone has lost the mental capacity to deal with their own legal and financial matters it may be necessary for a friend or family member or perhaps a professional to be appointed by the Court of Protection to act on their behalf. At Browell Smith & Co Solicitors, our experienced team are able to help you with this complicated legal process.

A Deputy is the name given to a person appointed by the Court of Protection to manage the legal and financial affairs of a person who has lost the mental capacity to do so themselves (called the Protected Person). This loss of mental capacity is often caused by age-related conditions such as dementia or a stroke or it may be as a result of a catastrophic brain injury.

A Deputy is required where no Attorney has been appointed, by either an Enduring or Lasting Power of Attorney. For more information about Attorneys, please see our Lasting Power of Attorney PageContact our expert team today to arrange a free initial consultation at any of our offices, in Newcastle, Cramlington, Ashington, and Sunderland, or alternatively at your home, to discuss your particular requirements.

Stephen Browell

Solicitor & Head of Private Client

Gillian Imrie

Legal Clerk - Wills, Trusts & Elderly Client

Laura Myers

Legal Clerk - Wills, Trusts & Elderly Client

What is the Court of Protection?

The Court of Protection is a special court which only deals with applications made on behalf of, or about, those who have lost the mental capacity to make those decisions themselves. The Court appoints the Deputy, sets out the limit of his or her authority and decides on applications such as requests to buy or sell property, change the Deputy, undertake litigation or to make or amend a Will. It also has jurisdiction to make health and welfare decisions although this is likely to be restricted to a defined issue.

The main role of the Office of the Public Guardian is to supervise the Deputy. The level of supervision is set by the Court and ranges from a “light touch” for experienced Deputies, to a more hands-on approach where the Deputy may need more support. The Office of the Public Guardian also investigates any allegations of abuse by the Deputy, or an attorney.

The application to the Court of Protection can be confusing and extremely frustrating. It can also take several months.

 

Our Wills, Probate, and Elderly Client team can help!

Browell Smith & Co’s expert team can prepare all the paperwork and submit the application for you.

We can also assist and advise once you have been appointed as Deputy. Where appropriate we can also arrange for a professional to act as Deputy. The Court of Protection may often require a professional Deputy when there are substantial assets to be managed.

The members of our team are experienced in acting as Deputies when required, and advising individuals appointed as Deputies. Our clients include the elderly and those with more complicated needs arising from brain injury.

If you or someone you know have been recently diagnosed with a degenerative condition you or your family member may still have the capacity to make decisions. If this is the case a Court of Protection application may not be necessary.

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