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Services For You

We are proud to have two Panel Deputies for Property and Affairs (there are only around 70 panel deputies in the whole of England and Wales).

Jenny Pierce and Rebecca Parkman were appointed to the Panel following a rigorous process in 2015.  They are the only panel deputies with offices in all of the following local authority areas: North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath & North East Somerset and Bristol.  If you live in any of these areas, there will be a Wards Solicitors office within a 10 mile radius.

We provide a “local expert” service.  Our two professional deputies are supported by a dedicated team.  We also offer home visits where appropriate.

Our Court of Protection Services:

  • Applying to be a Court of Protection deputy
  • Support with funding, care home and welfare issues
  • Acting as a professional deputy
  • Acting for the Applicant or a Respondent in Gift and Will applications to the Court of Protection
  • Disputes over financial issues, welfare and best interests
  • Advice to attorneys and deputies already appointed
  • Acting as Litigation Friend for P in statutory Will/Gift applications
Rebecca Parkman
Rebecca Parkman Partner Main office: Weston-super-Mare

"Probably the best experience we have had in our various dealings with the legal profession. Our daughter, also a solicitor in another firm, suggested we contact you and we're glad we did."

Jenny Pierce
Jenny Pierce Managing Partner Main office: Bristol – Broad Street

"Jenny was marvellous from start to finish, explaining, advising and supporting every step of the way. I would, and have recommended her services (and Wards) to others."

Alison Mellor
Alison Mellor Partner Main office: Bristol – Broad Street

"Alison was very helpful & approachable. She was able to give us useful advice for now and the future. We would be very happy to deal with her again."

Laura Warren
Laura Warren Case Management Assistant Main office: Bristol – Broad Street
Meet the team

The Court of Protection can make decisions and grant orders on behalf of someone who has lost capacity.  These decisions can be about a person’s property and financial affairs or their health and welfare.  The Court can appoint deputies to make those decisions (e.g. if a Lasting Power of Attorney has not been made in time). The most common application to the Court of Protection is for property and affairs deputyship.

We frequently act for family members who wish to be appointed as deputy for a loved one who has a medical condition resulting in a loss of mental capacity.  Deputyship is often required at a time when it is difficult for families to cope and we understand this and provide support and guidance throughout this process.

We can help you in dealing with local authorities / the NHS regarding funding matters and make sure the correct benefits are claimed.

We act for a growing number of clients as professional deputies for property and affairs.  Sometimes a professional is needed to act as the deputy.  This could be because of conflict within a family or previous financial abuse by an attorney.  Sometimes there are complex issues to be sorted out and in other cases, there is simply nobody else willing and able to act.

If you think that a professional deputyship may be required, we are more than happy to talk you through what is involved.

Where there is no attorneyship for health and welfare in place, usually welfare decisions are best made cooperatively between health and social care professionals and others, including family, who have an interest in the person’s welfare.  This is called Best Interest decision-making.  We can advise on this process and on any complications that may arise under the Mental Capacity Act and Care Act.  In cases of conflict about what is in a person’s best interests, the Court of Protection may need to decide.

Sadly we do see cases where clients have been taken advantage of when they are at their most vulnerable.  If you think an elderly friend or relative may have been the victim of financial abuse your first port of call should be the police.  We can advise on what action can be taken against someone who has committed financial abuse.

If you act as an attorney or deputy, we can advise you on your duties and the limits of your authority.  We frequently act on behalf of attorneys and deputies who need to apply to the Court for authority to sell a property, to make gifts or to put a statutory Will in place.

We can also advise you on your options if you are being investigated by the Office of the Public Guardian.

Usually the Official Solicitor (based in London) will act for the person who lacks capacity in applications for a statutory Will or gift.  However, sometimes the Official Solicitor cannot act and will ask a local solicitor to be appointed as litigation friend instead.  Our panel deputies are happy to assist in this situation to determine what is in the best interests of the person who lacks capacity and act on their behalf.  We also routinely act for applicants or respondents in such applications.