Communication with your Court of Protection Deputy

Communication is the key to any successful business or indeed relationship. However, within the realm of Court of Protection, the need for effective, two-way communication is arguably more critical than most.

In order for a deputy to establish and maintain a strong working relationship with the protected party and their support network, in which the client’s best interests can truly be at the heart of all decisions, a deputy must identify and adopt a communication style tailored to the needs of the client. In the absence of this, it is likely that a relationship in which the client feels empowered will not be established, but rather, the deputy may be perceived as a barrier, leading to a breakdown in relationship with the deputy. At Price Slater Gawne, we often assist clients who are seeking to change professional deputy due to such breakdowns in relationship.

Our Approach

At Price Slater Gawne, we recognise that every client is different and what may be right for one client will not be for another.

Here, Court of Protection Administrator Caz Kirkwood provides an insight into her role and her approach to building strong relationships with clients:

“When I started this role just over a year ago, little did I know how vital building relationships with clients, their support teams and third parties would be in order to provide the ‘problem-solving’ assistance required. It is only by establishing relationships based on trust and confidence that we are able to understand the issues faced by clients and provide support as it is required. – Ensuring the client knows we are there to listen and to assist”.

At Price Slater Gawne, our team recognise that when working with vulnerable clients, it is imperative that their needs and interests are central to all decisions, work completed and actions taken. In our role as Professional Deputy, our team strive to ensure that these principles are adhered to so that our client’s best interests are looked after with minimal delay and disruption caused to their everyday life.

The Role of the Court of Protection team

The role of the Court of Protection team whilst based around the management of property and financial affairs for those who lack capacity is far more wide reaching than many may consider.

Caz explains: “On a daily basis, we are required to provide both proactive and reactive support to clients. This can range from sourcing and arranging an electrician to resolve an issue at the protected party’s home, to progressing the purchase and planned adaptations of a property. In all instances, we are involved in liaising with the client / family and relevant third parties, coordinating visits, meetings, calls, etc in order to facilitate the ‘project’ in hand, whilst taking the associated stress away from the client.

“My role is very much a client liaison role. Each month, I establish contact with clients and their support networks (as required), in order to check on their wellbeing, understand any requirements and provide any support needed. That said, clients are aware that they can approach myself or any the team at any time”.

Court of Protection is about assisting those who lack capacity to make decisions, ensuring that we do not act as a barrier but rather empowering clients to achieve their goals. This ethos, coupled with compassion, empathy and commitment is our approach.

If you would like to speak to a Court of Protection Solicitor, please contact the team on 03333 058375, by email to cop@psg-law.co.uk