Deputyships

If you do not have an EPA or LPA and become unable to manage your affairs, the alternative is for your family to apply to the Public Guardianship Office for a Deputy (formerly called a “Receiver”) to be appointed to deal with financial affairs on your behalf.

Anyone can be appointed as Deputy, provided they can demonstrate their suitability to the Public Guardianship Office. The person appointed will often be one of the individual's relatives. However there may be no suitable family member willing to be a Deputy or the family may decide to ask a professional, such as a solicitor to become the Deputy.

The Public Guardianship Office has to approve the person and make the formal appointment. The procedure for appointing a receiver is more time-consuming and complicated than the registration of an EPA or LPA.

The Deputy is responsible for keeping in contact with the client and his family, consulting him about his day-to-day needs, and how his money should be spent. He must manage the income flow at an appropriate level to cater for the client's regular living expenses.

Our team of lawyers regularly advises on the appointment of Receivers and the firm's partners (in appropriate circumstances) will act as Deputies for clients. We deal with applications to the Public Guardianship Office in connection both with lifetime tax planning, and, gifts, and the preparation of court-approved ("statutory") wills.

To discuss how our team can help you, contact:

Anthony Nash
Tel: 01225 750000
Email: anthonynash@mogers.co.uk