In the aftermath of a serious injury, families are confronted not only with the physical and emotional toll but also with the daunting legal complexities that follow. We recognise the multifaceted challenges families face during these times.
Michelle Weaver, Partner and Head of Court of Protection at HCC plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the rights and interests of individuals grappling with life-altering circumstances.
Why choose us?
- Protection of Decision-Making Authority:
- We specialise in handling legal matters when individuals lack the mental capacity to make decisions. In tandem, establishing Lasting Power of Attorney empowers individuals to appoint someone they trust to make decisions on their behalf, ensuring their wishes are honored even in incapacitation.
- Holistic Legal Expertise:
- Michelle Weaver possesses a profound understanding of the legal intricacies surrounding mental incapacity. From managing financial affairs to healthcare decisions, she offer comprehensive guidance, aligning every decision with the best interests of the incapacitated individual.
- Lasting Power of Attorney as a Proactive Measure:
- An LPA is a proactive legal tool that allows individuals to plan ahead. By designating an attorney to manage their affairs in the event of incapacity, individuals retain control over crucial aspects of their lives, providing peace of mind to both themselves and their loved ones.
- Tailored Solutions for Unique Circumstances:
- Each case is unique, and our Court of Protection team, led by Michelle Weaver, prides itself on delivering personalised solutions. Whether establishing a Deputyship, contesting decisions, or managing financial affairs, we tailor our approach to meet the specific needs and preferences of each client.
In times of crisis, the combined expertise of our team can be a lifeline for families facing the devastation of dealing with serious injuries. HCC is committed to providing expert legal guidance with compassion and sensitivity, ensuring the protection and well-being of your loved ones. Trust us to navigate the complexities of the Court of Protection and establish Lasting Power of Attorney, offering a comprehensive solution for securing your family’s future.
About Michelle Weaver
Michelle Weaver, Partner and Head of Court of Protection at HCC Solicitors
Michelle qualified as a Solicitor with Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). She worked with OPG for eight years in various departments which enabled her to obtain an in-depth knowledge of:
- The Mental Capacity Act 2005
- The Mental Capacity Code of Practice
- The Court of Protection rules and processes
- (Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act 2017)
- The standards that need to be adhered to when acting as a deputy for an incapacitated person
- The process and various guidance of executing Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare Lasting Powers of Attorney
- The standards that need to be adhered to when acting as an attorney under a Lasting Power of Attorney
- The process and various guidance on making an application to be appointed as a Guardian for a missing person
- Advising and litigating on behalf of clients in the Court of Protection
Get a lasting Power of Attorney
Michelle is an expert in Lasting Power of Attorney matters (Property and Financial Affairs LPAs – and Health and Welfare LPAs) as well as helping clients as their deputy (and therefore authorised by the Court of Protection to make decisions on behalf of a person who lacks mental capacity, that are in their best interests).
In 2018 she obtained a Higher Rights qualification in Criminal and Civil Proceedings, which enables Michelle to represent our clients in the High Court, as well as the Court of Protection.
Michelle is a member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE), the Professional Deputies Forum (PDF) and the Court of Protection Practitioners Association (CoPPA).
In January 2022 Michelle received the SFE Older Client Care in Practice (OCCP) award, which distinguishes lawyers who provide specialist legal care and support to older and vulnerable clients, their families and carers.
Court of Protection services
Michelle plays a key role in guiding clients who have sustained life-changing injuries and manages such things as:
- Preparing and submitting an application for a person to be appointed as a property and financial affairs deputy
- Preparing and submitting an application for a person to be appointed as a health and welfare deputy
- Assisting with applications for a Guardianship Order (Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act 2017)
- Administrating the property and financial affairs of an incapacitated person
- Administrating the property and financial affairs of a person that retains capacity, under a Lasting Power of Attorney
- Administrating the property and financial affairs of a person that has gone missing
- Bringing claims in the Court of Protection on behalf of an attorney or deputy
- Defending claims brought against an attorney or deputy
- Preparing and submitting applications that need approval of the Court of Protection
- Preparing and submitting a statutory will application
- Preparing and submitting Lasting Powers of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare
- Acting as a professional deputy, attorney and trustee
- Working closely with and in the best interests of vulnerable clients
- Working closely with clients that no longer retain capacity to make various decisions
- Working closely with families of clients who are vulnerable
- Working closely with the Serious Injury and Clinical Negligence team to ensure that the client and their families are advised accordingly with the options that are available for their future
- Providing support and advocating for charities for vulnerable people
