REGIONAL leading law firm Tollers are meeting the challenges of protecting the interests of elderly and vulnerable people through their dedicated team of legal specialists through their established Elderly and Vulnerable Client Unit (EVCU).
REGIONAL leading law firm Tollers are meeting the challenges of protecting the interests of elderly and vulnerable people through their dedicated team of legal specialists through their established Elderly and Vulnerable Client Unit (EVCU). The team has built an enviable reputation for its work in providing expert advice in regard to the growing problems that are faced by an ageing population.
Some of the areas that the Elderly and Vulnerable Client unit covers are:
* Wills
* Enduring Powers of Attorney and Lasting Powers of Attorney
* Court of Protection
* Residential care issues
* Care contracts
* Property issues
* Estate planning
* Local authority assessments
* NHS Funding
* Safeguarding
* Abuse issues
* Personal Injury Trusts
* Capacity issues
The team are proud members of Solicitors for the Elderly, Action Against Elder Abuse and Dementia Friends and work closely with professionals involved in this challenging sector.
Head of the department Karon Walton said: “The complex nature of the law in this area often means it is vital people take legal advice to guide them through the issues they find themselves facing. With the right legal advice, taken at the right time, many difficult situations can be avoided and the best support can be given to clients who are elderly or vulnerable.”
Not only does the team provide this vital resource to its clients, it also takes opportunities to share best practice with other professionals from across the various sectors, government associations and charities. With this in mind, and following on from the success of their last conference on Safeguarding and Redress held in March of this year, the team are busy organising and planning for their March 2016 conference, which will focus on Empowerment of the Individual.
To talk to Tollers about the extensive services they provide in this area of law, call 01604 258558 and the team will be happy to assist or visit the new website www.tollers.co.uk.
EXPERIENCED lawyer Karon Walton, Head of the Elderly and Vulnerable Client Unit at Tollers, is playing an influential role in the development of laws to protect the elderly and vulnerable in England and Wales.
Karon is Director for Solicitors for the Elderly Ltd, an independent national organisation of accredited lawyers who provide specialist legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their families and carers.
This role brings a wide range of responsibilities including being on the Court of Protection Rules Committee and the Court of Protection User Group. The Court of Protection is responsible for decision making on financial or welfare matters for people who are unable to do so themselves. Karon, whose work at Tollers includes contentious Court of Protection and Power of Attorney disputes, also works closely with The Office of the Public Guardian and Ministry of Justice on policy and practice issues.
She said: “Court rules are currently being reviewed and we need to look at how they will work in practice and my role gives a voice to our membership.”
Regular communications to members are channelled through Karon and members can also turn to her for her support with an issue that might need clarification with the Court of Protection or The Office of the Public Guardian.
A WIDE-RANGING action plan is being drawn up by the Northamptonshire Dementia Action Alliance to support people living with dementia and their carers.
Veronica Male, the newly appointed chair of the association, is a Chartered Legal Executive who specialises in care home neglect and abuse claims.
Tollers was a founder member of the county association in 2013 which has brought together a wealth of professionals and organisations from across the county. These include Kettering General Hospital, Northampton General Hospital, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and Northamptonshire Police. Charities include Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Northamptonshire Association for the Blind and Royal Voluntary Services.
Veronica said: “The alliance has two key aims for 2015 which will improve the lives of people living with dementia and their carers in Northamptonshire. Many people are unaware of the day-to-day difficulties for individuals living with this condition so it is important to raise awareness.”
One aim is to increase the number of Dementia Friends, who are supporters of the alliance and recognise the value of making differences, which will make Northamptonshire a more dementia friendly place to live and work.
The second aim is to increase local involvement and encourage more people from the public and private sectors to work with the group.
The next meeting is on 23 September from 1.30pm at the Northampton branch of Tollers in Castillian Street.
Veronica said: “We really would love more people to come along and work with us so we can take action to make everyday struggles just that little bit easier for people.”
To find out more contact Veronica at Tollers or see the website at www.dementiaaction.org.uk
MARTIN Hill, an Equity Partner at Tollers, is now a deputy on the panel which supports The Office of the Public Guardian.
This prestigious role, which is held by 65 lawyers across England and Wales, is designed to protect people who do not have the mental capacity to make certain financial decisions for themselves.
For some this could be as a result of old age or an illness such as Alzheimer’s Disease and for others this might be as a result of an accident where compensation might be payable.
Martin who is a leading wills, tax and estate planning specialist, said: “The role of deputy is all about empowering and protecting people who may need support at difficult times in their lives. For some it might be they have nobody to turn to, while others may be in dispute with their family. The role is to give them the best support and advice to protect their assets.
“I am very proud to be appointed but this is testimony to the whole team at Tollers who work with the elderly and the vulnerable.”
Martin is a solicitor and notary public and member of a wealth of organisations including the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and Solicitors for the Elderly.
