There are times when a person may need help managing their finances, property or personal affairs. This may be because of age, illness, dementia, injury, disability or simply because day-to-day administration has become too much to manage alone.
Preston Redman supports individuals, families, attorneys, deputies and representatives in Dorset and nationally with the management of affairs. We provide calm, practical advice designed to protect the person concerned while reducing pressure on those helping them.
This area requires care, judgement and sensitivity. Preston Redman understands that families are often trying to do the right thing in difficult circumstances, sometimes with limited information and competing pressures.
What does management of affairs mean?
Management of affairs refers to the practical and legal steps involved in looking after another person’s financial or personal matters. This may include paying bills, managing bank accounts, dealing with property, arranging care fees, liaising with professionals and making sure decisions are lawful and properly recorded.
It may involve an attorney acting under a Lasting Power of Attorney, a deputy appointed by the Court of Protection or family members seeking advice before formal authority is in place.
How Preston Redman Can Help
Preston Redman can assist with one-off advice or ongoing support depending on what is needed. We help clients understand their authority, responsibilities and practical options. Our team of specialist solicitors provide:
- Advice to attorneys under Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Support for Court of Protection deputies
- Assistance with managing property and financial affairs
- Advice in relations to applications to sell property
- Support with care fee considerations
- Assistance with record keeping and best interests decisions
- Support with regard to concerns relating to financial abuse or undue influence
- Advice where family members disagree
- Support in making Statutory Will applications
- Help alongside accountants, financial advisers and care providers
Support for Attorneys
Attorneys must act in the best interests of the person who appointed them. They must keep finances separate, make careful decisions, avoid conflicts of interest and keep proper records. These duties can feel daunting, particularly where substantial assets, care costs or family tensions are involved.
Preston Redman advises attorneys on what they can and cannot do. We can help with specific decisions, such as selling a home, making gifts, funding care or dealing with investments.
Support for Deputies
Deputies are appointed by the Court of Protection where a person lacks mental capacity and has not made a valid Lasting Power of Attorney. Deputies are supervised and must comply with their legal duties.
Preston Redman can assist deputies with the initial application, ongoing responsibilities and reporting and further applications where additional authority is required.
Managing Property and Care Decisions
Property decisions are often among the most sensitive. A family home may need to be sold to fund care or adapted to meet changing needs. There may be emotional attachment to the property, concerns about timing or disagreement between family members.
Preston Redman provides clear, supportive advice on the legal authority required, the factors to consider and the steps needed to protect the person concerned.
Concerns, Disputes and Safeguarding
Sometimes concerns arise about whether someone is being properly supported or protected. There may be worries about financial abuse, undue influence, unsuitable attorneys, unexplained withdrawals or decisions that do not appear to be in the person’s best interests.
Preston Redman can advise on the options available, including communication with attorneys or deputies, applications to the Court of Protection and protective steps where necessary.
Why choose Preston Redman?
Managing another person’s affairs is both a legal responsibility and a personal commitment. Preston Redman provides technically sound advice with empathy and discretion.
- Experienced private client and Court of Protection support
- Clear advice for attorneys, deputies and families
- Practical help with property, finances and care-related decisions
- Sensitive approach where capacity or vulnerability is an issue
- Lexcel accredited standards of client care
Balancing someone’s independence with the right level of protection is rarely straightforward, which is why experience matters.
We’ve been supporting people across Dorset and beyond since 1876. While the technology we use to manage cases has evolved considerably over that time, the judgement behind our advice comes from generations of experience, giving you the reassurance that important decisions are being made with care, insight and a clear understanding of what is at stake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an attorney make gifts?
Only in limited circumstances unless the Court of Protection gives authority. Attorneys should take advice before making gifts.
Can a deputy sell a property?
This depends on the deputyship order. Additional Court authority may be needed in some cases.
What if family members disagree?
Preston Redman can advise on the legal position, help clarify duties and consider whether Court of Protection involvement is required. We can help with:
- Recognising when Court approval may be needed
- Providing advice before major gifts or property transactions
- Assisting with clear records of decisions and reasons
- Considering the least restrictive option
Preston Redman helps families approach decisions carefully and record them properly. This is especially important where there are care needs, changing capacity, family disagreement or significant financial decisions.
Managing another person’s affairs is not only about paying bills or completing forms. It is about protecting them while preserving dignity, independence and choice wherever possible. Decisions should be made with proper regard to the person’s wishes, feelings, beliefs and values.
Need help managing someone’s affairs?
If you are managing someone’s affairs or are concerned about how decisions are being made, Preston Redman can provide clear, practical guidance on managing affairs, attorney duties or Court of Protection responsibilities.
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