Helping the Elderly and Vulnerable is our passion. We'll do everything we can to protect your interests and your lifetimes work. Whether it's so you can pass what you have to whom you want or protect you from the unscrupulous preying on the vulnerable, we're here for you.
For WILLS & PROBATE, please see our seperate Wills & Probate page.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
What happens if you lose your mental capacity and are unable to make day-to-day choices and more complex financial decisions? If you have not provided for this eventuality you may have to apply to the 'Court of Protection' to appoint a 'Deputy' to look after your affairs. The Court of Protection has recently been criticised, justifiably, for the time it takes to appoint the Deputy (up to 6 months) and the cost of so doing which can be thousands of pounds. In the meantime, you will have considerable difficulty getting access to your money to pay for essential services, like care, or even manage your assets. That's why on the Radio 4 "Today" programme on 8 January 2010, the Justice Minister, Bridgette Prentice advised everyone (not just the elderly) to make a Lasting Power of Attorney.
A Lasting Power of Attorney, made whilst you still have the mental capacity to do so, legally allows someone you trust to look after your financial and property affairs and, if you require, your personal welfare (e.g. medical treatment, admission to nursing care). It is the best way to avoid the costly and bureaucratic procedure which the criticised Court of Protection requires. We can arrange all this for you, simply, without fuss and at a fraction of the price. And if you want someone independent to manage your financial and property affairs under your Power of Attorney, our Nigel Jones will be happy to do so given his 20 years plus experience of doing so to date for many past and existing Clients.
Care Charges
The cost of care can be frightening, whether in or out of a residential care home, and erodes the assets you may wish to leave to your loved ones after your death. Plans specifically made to avoid such charges are illegal and can be unwound. But we can advise you how to protect your assets as much as the law allows against such charges and what items of your income and capital can be disregarded in assessing whether you should pay these charges. What is disregarded in assessing you can save you thousands of pounds.
We will also consider the pros and cons if you are thinking about giving your house away to others e.g. your children, and how to protect yourself against unforeseen consequences such as e.g. your childrens bankruptcy, divorce or death. Where will you stand then if you still wish to live in the house?
Wealth Management
We can guide you in managing your wealth and assets (however large or small they are) in the best way to ensure they are protected and grow leaving you to use, spend and enjoy them with peace of mind in knowing their destiny after your death. Whether through the terms of your Will, investment, the transfer of property, tax planning, gifting or otherwise, we'll tailor the best strategy for you using our expertise and, where necessary, our network of independent financial advisers. See our Wills page for further details.
Other Services
- Trusts for the Disabled
- Trusts for Children and Granchildren
- Personal Injury Compensation Trusts
- Applications to the Court of Protection
- Deputyships under the Court of Protection
Home Visits
We appreciate some of our elderly clients are unable to come to our offices to seek the advice we provide due to infirmity or disability. If this applies to you, please do not hesitate to ask us for a home visit. There is often no extra charge, depending on the circumstances.
Contact Nick O'Sullivan LLB (Hons) on 02920 456780 or email nick.osullivan@jmdlaw.co.uk
Express Service
Do you need to see us urgently? If so, quote "Express Service" when telephoning us and we shall offer you an appointment within 24 hours during our normal business hours. That's just part of the JMD LAW service.