We have a long established and highly regarded track record in providing expert advice and support to the private, public and charity sectors.
We are consistently recognised as a leading firm for private client work as reflected in independent legal directory Chambers and Partners based on feedback from our clients and other professionals.
With many years of trust and court of protection experience within the team, we regularly look after the affairs of individuals who lack mental capacity, have suffered a catastrophic personal injury or who are otherwise vulnerable in some way.
We are able to provide a professional trustee, attorney or deputy service through the appointment of Geldards Trust Corporation Limited which is an SRA authorised subsidiary of Geldards LLP. This allows us to offer a seamless service, delivered in a personal and accessible way by our tightknit team of experienced lawyers.
Our specialist team also regularly provide empathetic advice and support for lay people who are acting as court of protection deputies, trustees, or attorneys, whether assisting with initial or further applications to the Court of Protection, addressing specific concerns, or more generally helping them fulfil their responsibilities on an ongoing basis, for peace of mind.
We are able to advise those acting as deputy or attorney about the Statutory Will making process, if it may be appropriate for the Court of Protection to authorise a Will to be made on behalf of the person who lacks capacity. If, instead, it is possible that the vulnerable person has legal capacity to make a Will, supported by expert medical evidence, we will work closely with them and with relevant medical and occupational health experts to facilitate that process.
It is also important that family members have appropriate Wills in place so that any legacy intended for a vulnerable beneficiary can be managed for that person’s benefit by appropriate individuals or professionals chosen by the family to enhance rather than necessarily interfere with any state support to which the vulnerable beneficiary is or may become entitled. Our specialists in this area regularly advise families in this context helping them to put appropriate and tax efficient will and trust structures in place, for real peace of mind.
We work closely with other leading professionals such as accountants and chartered financial planners to ensure a joined up approach to the management of the vulnerable person’s financial affairs. We are also able to call on colleagues across the firm for specialist input on particular issues (for example, where there is a business or property to be dealt with).
We are well used to complex and sensitive family scenarios and to seeking appropriate and effective solutions delivered empathetically.
Some examples:
For more information please contact a member of the Private Client team
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
"Geldards is well respected for its "solid private client practice." …… praised for being "extremely knowledgeable on trustee and inheritance matters. They deal with complex matters promptly and efficiently and have specialists in other areas when required"
Chambers and Partners 2020
"Everyone I've been in contact with at the firm has been more than competent. You get the impression from visiting the place that they are operating at the top of the market"
Chambers and Partners 2020