How Do I Choose My Attorney?

When a loved one loses the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves, it can be an emotionally and practically challenging time. In such situations, the Court of Protection team here at Wilson Browne Solicitors are here to safeguard the interests of vulnerable individuals. We can ensure that decisions about their property and financial affairs are made responsibly and in their best interests.

Why trusting your Deputy or Attorney Matters

Appointing an Attorney is not just a formality, it’s a personal decision. This gives the person you appoint control over your property and financial affairs or health and welfare. Therefore, trusting the person you are appointing is imperative.

Whilst your Attorney must always act in your best interests you must ensure you trust and believe that the person or people you are appointing will be capable of this. Managing someone else’s property and financial affairs alongside their own can be challenging, emotive and complex.

You also want to be sure the person you appoint has the right skills to manage them decisions on your behalf and in your best interests.

What Is the Court of Protection?

The Court of Protection protects the interests of individuals who lack the mental capacity to manage their health, or finances independently.

This includes appointing a Deputy, if there is no Lasting Power of Attorney in place, which is a person or professional authorised to manage the individual’s affairs.

There are two types of Deputies:

• Property and Financial Affairs Deputies – who manage money, property, and financial matters.
• Health and Welfare Deputies – who make decisions about medical treatment and living arrangements although these are less commonly appointed.

Why Wilson Browne Solicitors Stand Out

Wilson Browne Solicitors are recognised for their expertise and compassionate approach in Court of Protection matters. They have a dedicated Court of Protection team who actively.

• Act as professional Deputies or Attorneys.
• Help families apply to the Court of Protection.
• Advise Attorneys or Deputies on financial and welfare decisions they are making.
• Managing annual reports and compliance with court requirements.
• Navigating disputes and safeguarding vulnerable individuals

The team includes a variety of experienced legal professionals and a dedicated Trust Corporation, who can act as a Deputy/Attorney when no suitable family member is available. Victoria Rae Pearce, the head of team is a panel deputy, and is often appointed by the court as a professional Deputy. This is especially valuable in complex cases involving significant assets or sensitive family dynamics. Wilson Browne Solicitors are completely impartial and therefore, can sometimes be the right appointment.

A trustworthy Deputy:

• Respects the individual’s past wishes and values.
• Communicates transparently with family and professionals.
• Acts with empathy, diligence, and accountability.

Choosing a professional like Wilson Browne Solicitors ensures that these standards are met consistently, giving families peace of mind during difficult times.

Contact us and you’ll be drawing on the experience and expertise of one of the most established teams in the area. We offer the convenience of meeting at any of our offices across Northamptonshire and Leicestershire in Northampton, Kettering, Corby, Higham Ferrers, Wellingborough and Leicester.

For advice and a free initial discussion, call us today on 0800 088 6004