Court of Protection Solicitors

Gillhams Court of Protection solicitors provide expert advice and support on all issues that can arise in this often difficult area. Also known as the COP, the Court of Protection is there to help manage the affairs of individuals who are mentally incapable.

Whilst this can seem like a daunting or complex process, our highly respected team of Court of Protection solicitors help ensure that everything runs smoothly, offering our clients peace of mind. Two of our partners are also qualified to act as official deputies, who the court can appoint to manage an individual's financial or personal affairs.

Managing the Affairs of an Incapable Individual

If an individual is mentally incapable of making a particular decision at a specific time and they have not made a Power of Attorney, the matter is referred to the Court of Protection who can appoint a deputy to manage that person's affairs.

For example, if a person suffers from dementia or a brain injury, our Court of Protection solicitors can help you apply to the court to appoint a deputy to assist in their financial or personal matters. These can range from ensuring that all the right benefits are claimed on their behalf to making decisions about their future medical treatment.

For anyone concerned about the mental capacity of an individual, perhaps thinking they may require such assistance, our team of Court of Protection solicitors can guide them through this process, helping take the stress away from what can be a challenging time.

How We Can Help

Alongside our clients at every stage, our Court of Protection solicitors can assist with all aspects of the court process and beyond, including:

• Initial Advice:
  Before anything is done, our Court of Protection experts can set out the options and explain the process, allowing our clients to make an informed decision.
• Making an Application:
  With extensive experience in this field, Gillhams' Court of Protection solicitors can manage everything regarding the application, from completing forms to representing clients in court.
• Administering Any Court Decision
  Whatever the outcome of the process, our Court of Protection team can help action the court's decision.
• Undertaking Deputyships:
  Usually, family members or friends are appointed to the role of deputy. However, where no one is able or willing to take it on, there are two further options; either the local authority can do so or the Court of Protection will appoint a deputy from the Office of Public Guardian (OPG) Panel of Deputies.
  Gillhams’ Managing Partner, Russell Caller and partner Hina Tailor, are two of only sixty members of this prestigious panel, Russell since 2000. Supported by the rest of our team of Court of Protection solicitors, Russell and Hina are on hand to take on the role of deputy for our clients, ensuring that all aspects of an individual's income, assets and benefits are managed appropriately.
• Managing Disputes
  Sometimes, disputes arise as to what should be done with regard to the affairs of a mentally incapable person. In this event, our Court of Protection lawyers can provide clients with expert assistance, including dealing with any contested applications.

Planning For the Future

In addition to the services of our Court of Protection solicitors, we can help individuals plan for the future, including those worried about future mental incapacity. In particular, we can assist with:

• Drafting and registering powers of attorney - enduring and lasting
• Trusts and wills

MORE INFORMATION
For legal advice on preparation of lease extensions and related property matters, or to speak to one of our solicitors, email us at courtofprotection@gillhams.com or call us on 020 8965 4266.