Putting compassion and expertise at the heart of Court of Protection work

I lead the Court of Protection team at Hay & Kilner, where I manage the property and financial affairs of clients who lack the mental capacity to do so themselves.

I work alongside Court of Protection solicitor Zoey Phillips and a dedicated team, and together we provide tailored, long-term support.

We have a unique team of people, who passionately care about helping clients.

Our team is described as open, empathetic, honest, approachable, caring and fair.

Many of our clients have received substantial personal injury awards, often as a result of road traffic accidents or birth injuries.

While most can manage day-to-day spending, they typically need help with more complex financial decisions.

That includes budgeting for the future, making suitable investments, overseeing property renovations, arranging insurance and setting up care packages.

Our team provides vital support with such matters, working collaboratively with other professionals such as case managers, financial advisors and care and therapy providers.

I’m also a qualified trust and estate practitioner, which means I regularly draft wills, trusts and statements for clients.

In addition, I assist with a wide range of deputyship applications.

This might involve helping someone apply to become a deputy or supporting an existing deputy in applying to the court for special permissions, such as buying property or putting a statutory will in place.

Court of Protection clients

Claire, Zoey and the team typically work with a wide range of clients, most of whom have sustained brain injuries.

These clients vary in age, from those with birth-related injuries to individuals who acquire brain injuries later in life.

Their care needs differ significantly; some require 24-hour support, while others need only minimal assistance.

The impact of brain injuries also varies, with some clients experiencing complex cognitive or behavioural challenges.

Among the most difficult cases are those involving clients who appear physically capable but are unaware of their cognitive impairments.

Clients also come from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, contributing to the variety and complexity of the role.

Zoey supports both lay and professional deputy applications, and prepares Court of Protection costs reports for UK and Gibraltar clients.

Clients praise Zoey for her energy, client care, clear communication and compassionate support during complex Court of Protection processes.

Zoey says: “The Court of Protection helps make sure people who lack capacity can’t be exploited or denied their rights, with a Court-appointed deputy working to ensure decisions are made in the best interests of each individual.

“My clients’ situations can naturally be very challenging for both themselves and their loved ones, and it’s my role to ensure their affairs run as smoothly as possible for all concerned.

“I began working on Court of Protection matters during my training contract and took to it straightaway; no two days are ever the same, and you make a genuine difference to the lives of the people you work with.”

How Hay & Kilner can help

Hay & Kilner will talk you through how to become a deputy and complete the application on your behalf.

Alternatively, it can take on the role of a professional deputy.

Hay & Kilner

Hay & Kilner is one of the North East’s leading independent law firms and provides comprehensive legal advice across every aspect of the law to businesses and individuals from inside and outside the region.

To find out more about its services, including its Court of Protection support, visit www.hay-kilner.co.uk or call 0191 232 8345.

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