Safeguarding Vulnerable People
Helping vulnerable people, whether that be family and/or friends, can be a very challenging and distressing time. It is very difficult to know what to do and where to look for help. We understand that managing this can be daunting and carries an unprecedented responsibility.
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How we can help with safeguarding vulnerable people
Our team of experienced lawyers can help with the safeguarding of vulnerable people by advising on:
- the creating or changing of wills and/or lasting powers of attorney;
- financial planning for vulnerable people;
- relations with the court of protection or the office of the public guardian;
- relations with social services and care funding;
- understanding the Mental Capacity Act 2005;
- deputyship and relating issues;
- arranging care;
- protecting assets
- paying for care; and
- disputes relating to care.
How we work with you
Whilst based in the South of England, Paris Smith acts for businesses and families throughout the UK. Technology has enabled us to provide a high level of service to our clients whether they are local to our offices or not. Our advice can be given in many ways:
- Over the telephone
- Via video conferencing
- In face to face meetings
We will talk through how you would like to be contacted and the best ways for us to meet in our early conversations with you.
Get in touch to speak with an expert.
Introducing your key contact
Catherine Diamond
Senior Associate Solicitor – Head of Court of Protection
Catherine Diamond
Senior Associate Solicitor – Head of Court of Protection
Safeguarding Vulnerable People Services
How we’ve helped our clients
Chambers Legal Directory 2024
The lawyers at Paris Smith advise wealthy clients on a range of succession planning techniques including estate planning and trusts. The team also advises on tax planning.
Several sources praise the firm’s client service. One interviewee says: “They are very professional, the service feels very tailored and personal to clients.” Another source notes: “They are knowledgeable and responsive to client needs.”
The Chambers High Net Worth edition states: Paris Smith has a considerable team of private client lawyers able to assist with wills, estate planning and tax matters. The team can also advise on contentious estate matters.
Strengths
One source says “Paris Smith has a compassionate demeanour, and its support provided us with much-needed reassurance;” while another states “Paris Smith was very professional and efficient. Everything was very clearly explained by the very efficient and helpful team.”
Legal 500 Directory – 2025 Edition
With offices in Southampton and Winchester, Paris Smith LLP has extensive experience catering to private clients both in the UK as well as internationally. The team focuses its advice on ensuring the preservation of wealth, which includes handling succession planning issues, assisting with complex will drafting matters, and providing guidance on how to maximise tax efficiency. Leading the team, William Hadley is recommended for clients domiciled in the UK requiring advice on foreign assets. Kate Marsh joined the team from Moore Barlow in July 2023; she has experience handling a variety of complex estate administration matters.
What clients say:
‘Everyone in the practice is extremely knowledgeable, professional, efficient, and helpful.’
‘William Hadley is very knowledgeable. He is always very clear and helpful. He answers queries efficiently and gets things done.’
‘The team, which is headed by William Hadley, is responsive and sensitive to the needs of the client. They are keen to establish creative solutions to complex issues.’
‘William Hadley listens to the needs of his clients and takes time to consider the most appropriate way forward.’
Podcast
Decision Making For Vulnerable Young Adults
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Decision Making For Vulnerable Young Adults
We are delighted to be sponsoring the app for the Knights Foundation’s Teddy Bear Appeal app; a project which will allow the conversion of a lodge at a beautiful location on the south coast of England overlooking the sea is to to a high specification so that disabled families can enjoy a holiday in exactly the same way as an able-bodied family.
Families with a vulnerable child will face many difficult decisions. In our latest podcast, we aim to offer bite size legal advice to help these families. Partner Elizabeth Power talks through what options are available with regards to decision making when these vulnerable children turn 18.
Show notes:
00:50 How does the role of a parent change when a vulnerable child turns 18?
02:00 Elizabeth talks about how frustrating it can be for parents to communicate with medical professionals once a vulnerable child turns 18
02:15 What happens when a professional assesses the young person? Elizabeth talks through using the example of getting consent for dental work
03:35 What decision making options are available for parents? Elizabeth talks through what the documentation all means
04:56 What are the key parts of the Mental Capacity Act, 2005 you should understand as parent? Elizabeth explains they key principles
05:50 Applying to the Court of Protection and Deputies – Elizabeth talks through how this process works and when this happens
08:22 Contact us for more information – how we can help in this difficult situation
Do You Always Have To Sell The Family Home To Pay For Care Fees?
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Do You Always Have To Sell The Family Home To Pay For Care Fees?
It is often assumed that selling the family home is the only way to pay for care fees as this is often the biggest asset; however this is not always the case. Legal Assistant Ashleigh Bryant talks through the key legal principles you should be aware of if you are in this situation.
Show notes
00:40 Why it is important that you know the basic principles?
00:50 Ashleigh talks though Property Disregards and how these works
01:21 Ashleigh goes into more detail about 12 week Property Disregard
01:50 Ashleigh considers deprivation of assets – how does this work?
02:30 Summary and where to go if you have questions
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