Regrettably, there can become a time in a person’s life when they are unable to manage their own affairs and require the assistance of others to represent them.
This may be due to an age-related illness or accident. They may need assistance to oversee their finances (known as a property and affairs deputyship) or make decisions about their well-being (known as a health and welfare deputyship). Our Court of Protection lawyers in Cambridge have extensive experience in handling property and affairs deputyships – please note that we do not offer Health and Welfare Deputyships.
We provide the highest quality service and make sure to approach every situation with sensitivity and professionalism. Our Court of Protection lawyers in Cambridge will listen to all of your concerns and then have a discussion with you to explain the options that apply to your situation.
At Ashtons Legal, we understand how emotionally exhausting it can be to watch one of your loved ones lose the capacity to handle their own affairs, especially if this has happened rapidly. Our Court of Protection lawyers in Cambridge will do their best to assist you during this time so you can focus on personal matters instead. We will also keep you fully informed and update you regularly so you are never out of the loop.
Our Court of Protection lawyers in Cambridge can assist you with:
- Applying for a property and affairs deputyship
- Court of Protection disputes
- Acting as a professional deputy for your loved one
- Statutory Wills.
Contact our Court of Protection lawyers in Cambridge
For the best advice on the Court of Protection, please contact our Cambridge office or use our online enquiry form to request a callback.
How we can help with Court of Protection advice in Cambridge
Applying for a Court of Protection property and affairs deputyship
After becoming aware that someone close to you has become incapable of managing their affairs, and they have not already put in place a Power of Attorney, you will then be able to apply to the Court of Protection for the appointment of a deputy.. If the application is approved, a deputy will be appointed by the Court to manage said person’s finances and assets/health choices. If you are considering applying for deputyship, it is crucial to understand the responsibilities that come with the role.
Our team of Court of Protection lawyers in Cambridge will give you a detailed explanation of the duties involved, which will enable you to make an informed decision about your next course of action. Our expert team will then be available to assist you throughout the process.
Court of Protection disputes
Assuming the role of deputy for your loved one’s finances or healthcare decisions can often be challenging, sometimes leading to conflicting views and disagreements among friends and family members. Making decisions on behalf of someone you deeply care about is not easy, and it is not uncommon for disputes to arise over the decisions made by the deputy.
Our team of Court of Protection lawyers in Cambridge has extensive experience in handling such situations and possesses the necessary expertise and resources to help you resolve matters in a swift and efficient manner.
Acting as a professional deputy for your loved one
If the vulnerable person does not have an appropriate person to appoint as deputy (for example, if their family is either unable or unwilling to assume such a significant responsibility), they or the Court may opt to appoint a professional instead.
At Ashtons Legal, several members of our team can act as deputies for vulnerable people who are lacking mental capacity. If you or your family requires a professional deputy for a loved one, our team handles this matter with utmost professionalism and sensitivity. We encourage you to contact our Court of Protection team to discuss your options and have any questions addressed.
Statutory Wills
Individuals who lack the capacity to handle their welfare and finances are usually unable to create their own Will. Therefore, they will likely require a deputy or solicitor to draft a statutory Will on their behalf.
If you have been designated as a deputy and need assistance in drafting a Will for your loved one, our proficient legal team in Cambridge is ready and available to guide you through the process.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Court of Protection?
The Court of Protection is responsible for making important judgements concerning the capacity of specific individuals to manage their personal well-being and financial affairs. If the court deems a person lacking in mental capacity, they can then appoint a deputy to act on the vulnerable person’s behalf.
What is a deputy?
The Court of Protection appoints a deputy to handle the welfare and financial affairs of vulnerable individuals who are unable to do so for themselves. Deputies can be a trusted friend or family member or in some cases a professional appointed by loved ones.
Prospective candidates must apply to the Court of Protection in advance to be considered for the position. As a deputy, they will have several responsibilities, including managing the vulnerable person’s bank accounts, benefits, paying their bills and making critical medical decisions.
Who can become a Court of Protection Deputy?
Anyone 18 years of age or older is eligible to apply to serve as a deputy. Typically, close friends or family assume this role. However, if no one else is available or willing, a professional deputy can be appointed.
If you require a professional deputy in Cambridge, our Court of Protection lawyers are available to assist you through the process.
What decisions can the Court of Protection make?
The Court of Protection can make important decisions regarding the protection of vulnerable people, including:
- Decisions about welfare and finances
- Emergency applications where a deputy is needed urgently
- Decisions regarding statutory Wills or Last Powers of Attorney
- The appointment of deputies to manage welfare and finances
- Permissions allowing an individual to make one-off decisions for a vulnerable person.
Is it possible to change a deputy?
If an individual feels that the appointed deputy is not fulfilling their obligations adequately, they can request that the Court of Protection replace the deputy. This situation may arise if the deputy is not making decisions that are in the best interest of the vulnerable individual or if the relationship between the deputy and the vulnerable person breaks down.
These situations can become emotionally complex and charged, and therefore, we always advise seeking legal advice promptly. At Ashtons Legal, our Court of Protection Lawyers in Cambridge have extensive experience assisting clients to remove unfit deputies in various situations.
Why choose our Court of Protection lawyers in Cambridge?
Our dedicated team of Court of Protection Lawyers has several years of specialised experience in this field. Our expertise in this area allows us to provide the highest level of care to our clients. We are committed to offering a convenient and modern service that caters to your specific needs.
At Ashtons Legal, we recognise the importance of timely communication and guarantee fast response times. We promise to always get back to you promptly. We understand that funding arrangements can be a concern for many people, which is why we offer flexible options that suit your individual circumstances. We strive to provide a holistic approach and ensure that our clients receive the best possible support throughout the entire process.
Contact our Court of Protection lawyers in Cambridge
For the best advice on the Court of Protection, please our Cambridge office or you can use our online enquiry form to request a call back.