Role of a Deputy and annual management

If you are appointed as a Deputy for someone lacking capacity then you are responsible for the day to day management of all that person’s financial affairs.

This can involve matters such as:

• dealing with various financial institutions
• completing tax returns
• liaising with the Department of Works and Pensions
• ensuring that all benefits are claimed, particularly Attendance Allowance
• taking financial advice and investing the person’s funds
• dealing with carers; approving and signing the terms and conditions of a care home

In effect, everything to do with the person’s affairs.

Dealing with the above matters can be onerous and time consuming. We already manage the day to day affairs of many clients who are under the Court of Protection and have experience in all aspects of the Court of Protection.

We can assist with any issues that arise or, if you wish, take over the day to day management of the person’s affairs, leaving you free to spend more time with the individual and not be burdened with the paperwork. The Court considers it reasonable that legal assistance be obtained if you need it.

We find we are often approached by Deputies to assist. We have also had a number of cases where the Deputy has asked one of our solicitors to replace them as Deputy as, for various reasons, they no longer want the responsibility. We act as professional Deputy in many cases and one of our solicitors is on the Court’s panel of Deputies.