Elderly Client

Gilbert Stephens provides comprehensive legal advice on the management of the finances of those suffering from mental incapacity, either through old age or other mentally debilitating illnesses. We can advise those who may become unable to manage their own affairs, those who need to look after the finances of others, and those who wish to provide for a relative who has mental health difficulties.

In addition, we can advise you how to ensure that all your financial affairs will be in good hands should you be unable to manage them for yourself.

We can help those who need to take on the finances of an incapacitated relative, whether under a Power of Attorney or a Receivership, which can include advice on applications to the Court of Protection, for example, to approve a new Will or tax planning scheme for them.

The use of trusts to provide for relatives who have mental health difficulties is a regular part of our practice. Trusts can be set up to start during our client's lifetime or to come into effect under their Will. Often a trust will ensure that a gift can be made without risk that the recipient will lose means-tested benefits.

The Team