Hoarding And Mental Capacity: When Clutter Becomes a Safeguarding Concern
The relationship between hoarding and mental capacity can raise complex safeguarding concerns. While hoarding behaviour is often linked with conditions such as depression, OCD, dementia, or brain injury, this does not automatically mean someone lacks the capacity to manage their living environment. This article explains when hoarding becomes a safeguarding issue, how the Mental Capacity […]
How Brain Injury Or Dementia Can Affect Inheritance Decisions
Brain injury and dementia can significantly affect a person’s ability to make or change inheritance decisions. These conditions may impact memory, judgement, reasoning, and the ability to understand complex financial information. This guide explains how cognitive changes influence estate planning, when capacity assessments are required, how case management supports families after injury or diagnosis, and […]
Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Deputyship: What’s the Difference?
Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), and deputyship all play different roles in planning for the future. A Will sets out what happens to your money, property, and possessions after death. LPAs allow someone you trust to make decisions for you while you’re alive but unable to act. Deputyship is a Court of Protection process […]
Lifetime Gifting: When Generosity Becomes Risky
Lifetime gifting allows individuals to pass on money, property, or valuable items while they are still alive. It can support loved ones, reduce inheritance tax, and form part of wider estate planning. However, gifting also comes with legal, financial, and safeguarding risks. This guide explains how lifetime gifts work, when tax applies, how to protect […]
Understanding Inheritance Tax Bands: How Much Will Your Estate Pay?
Inheritance tax (IHT) is a charge on the estate of someone who has died, including property, money, and other valuable possessions. This guide explains how inheritance tax bands work, which allowances may reduce the bill, and how gifts, wills, and capacity assessments can support lawful estate planning. Whether you’re an executor, solicitor, or family member […]
The Complete Guide To Inheritance And Estate Planning
Inheritance and estate planning help you decide how your property, money, and personal affairs will be managed during your lifetime and after your death. This guide explains what an estate plan includes, how to avoid common mistakes during estate planning, and why mental capacity plays an important role in making valid, legally binding decisions. Whether […]
What Is A PA14 Form?
A PA14 form is a probate document used when an executor or estate administrator lacks the mental capacity to act and fulfil their duties. The PA14 medical certificate confirms that the person named in a Will cannot manage the probate process due to cognitive impairment, such as dementia or brain injury. This article explains what […]
What To Include In A Letter Of Instruction For Mental Capacity Assessments?
A well-drafted letter of instruction helps to ensure a mental capacity assessment is clear, decision-specific, and legally robust. This guide explains what solicitors, deputies, and legal professionals typically include when instructing a mental capacity assessor, how clear instructions support assessments under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and how to reduce delays or follow-up queries in […]
How Much Does an Independent Social Worker Charge?
Understanding the cost of hiring an Independent Social Worker (ISW) is an important step in planning for complex care, legal, or safeguarding cases. ISWs provide impartial, expert assessments for solicitors, families, and professionals across England and Wales. This guide explains how much an Independent Social Worker typically charges, what factors affect their fees, and how […]
How To Find An Independent Social Worker
Finding a qualified Independent Social Worker (ISW) can make a crucial difference in complex legal, care, or safeguarding situations. ISWs provide impartial, expert assessments for families, solicitors, and professionals when local authority services are unavailable or delayed. This step-by-step guide explains how to find an Independent Social Worker, what qualifications and experience to look for, […]