PI and COP Insights

We spoke to Stacey Bryant, Partner at Enable Law and recently appointed Chair of the Professional Deputies Forum, about the PDF’s plans, some of the key challenges facing the profession, and her thoughts on the re PW case.

Abigail Cuffe of Vincents Solicitors highlights how trusts and income received from a trust are assessed for new Universal Credit claims.

We speak to Lyndsay Fahey, CEO of Rainbow Hub, about the charity’s brain injury rehab services that help children and young people reach their full potential. 

Lucy Law of Hugh Jones Solicitors suggests ways to manage the employment relationship when employing care workers and others in the home.

We spoke to Ian Bennet, Adaptive Surf Coordinator at The Wave Project, about how the charity is working works to make surfing as accessible and inclusive as possible.

With interest rates rising, we discuss our views on cash versus equities for personal injury and Court of Protection clients.

A recent judgement addressed capacity issues in divorce proceedings and considered the Court of Protection’s powers in this area.

Offshore investment bonds probably sound more mysterious than they are; the word offshore conjures up an image of somewhere exotic, somewhere with a sunnier climate than the UK! In reality, offshore jurisdictions we would typically consider share our climate and are accessible by ferry and in some cases, jet ski.

We spoke to Geoff Holt MBE DL, founder of charity Wetwheels to find out more about their fantastic work providing the opportunity for disabled people to access the sea.

In this article, Joe Lander outlines when a deputy might need the services of a probate genealogist and highlights how Anglia Research Services could help.

A war in Europe, aggressive interest rate hikes and runaway inflation have resulted in markets being particularly volatile this year.

We spoke to Second Chance Headway to learn more about the work they do in support of those affected by acquired (or traumatic) brain injury.

James Pantling-Skeet of Boyes Turner LLP has contributed an article on the issue of service-led, rather than needs-led, decision making in education, health and social care matters. An issue which is likely to have a significant impact on the support available to a protected client from statutory services.

We spoke to Gen Dearman, chief executive of children’s charity Challengers, to find out more about their important work supporting disabled children, young people, and their families.

David Chambers, senior associate – tax and probate at Kuits Solicitors, explains how asset swapping can protect former homes from assessment.

Katie Strong, partner at Irwin Mitchell LLP, has kindly contributed this article to assist Court of Protection practitioners in relation to conveyancing matters for their clients. 

Established in 2019, the Professional Deputies Forum (PDF) was founded by practitioners to provide a forum for professional deputies to share news, views, and best practice on matters concerning vulnerable adults who lack or have limited mental capacity. We spoke to Martin Terrell, Chair at the PDF, to share his views on the PDF’s work and the challenges faced by deputies.

Grace Serwanga of Penningtons Manches Cooper has kindly contributed an article on what you need to consider before making a gift on behalf of a protected client.

As Rathbones joins the Brainwave 40th Anniversary Guardianship programme, find out more about the work the charity does to support children with disabilities and additional needs.

We thought it would be helpful to put together a list of considerations to help deputies and trustees make this important decision for their personal injury (PI) and Court of Protection (COP) clients.

Rebecca Bristow of Shoosmiths has kindly contributed a piece on statutory wills and their importance when planning for the future.

As they enter their 30th anniversary year, we spoke to Lisa Turan, CEO at CBIT about the impact COVID and lockdown has had on the work of the charity. 

As the decision maker for the underlying client, it is important deputies and trustees are comfortable with and fully understand how the funds are being managed. 

Over the longer term, it can have significant effects on the purchasing power of a portfolio. This is particularly pertinent for personal injury and Court of Protection (PI/COP) clients who usually have an irreplaceable pot of money which needs to support them for life.