Unfortunately, family members and loved ones sometimes no longer have the mental capacity needed for making important decisions on their finances. Our experienced Court of Protection and Deputyship team of solicitors are here to help.

They provide expert support to vulnerable clients in the management of their financial affairs.

When a child or an adult without mental capacity receives a damages payment, that settlement is paid into the Court of Protection and must be administered by a Deputy, appointed by the Court.

The Deputyship role can be taken by a family member, but very often, a professional Deputy is appointed as a reliable and trusted adviser who can provide continuity of support to the client and his or her family.

Burnetts’ professional deputy is Nick Gutteridge. He and the team, including specialist Court of Protection lawyer Caroline Manningham and Paralegals Wendy Bell and Jessica Purcell, ensure that all clients receive a high standard of service and attention.

Increasingly we are also working with families supporting a loved one with dementia, or similar debilitating conditions, who have become unable to manage their own affairs.

The team know every client personally and regularly visit them at home to make certain there is an in-depth understanding of their needs and circumstances.

Our Court of Protection service includes:

• Management and investment of your financial portfolio or damages award
• Advice on property purchases and modifications, specialist equipment and vehicles
• Ongoing liaison with case managers who will put in place and manage care and therapy packages to support clients
• Advice to families on purchases allowed through Court of Protection funds
• Financial reporting, including completion of tax returns on clients’ behalf and annual reports
• Advice and guidance to those already appointed as a Deputy

For further information on Burnetts’ dedicated Court of Protection services, contact Caroline Manningham on 01228 552222 or 0191 300 1833.