Ramsdens Solicitors
Here are the details for this solicitor's practice area of Older People Advice. Please contact the solicitor using the details listed in the contact panel to the right hand side of this page. You can also choose to send an email enquiry or request a call back.
Managing your day to day finances
If you have already appointed someone to look after your finances under an Enduring or Lasting Power of Attorney, now may be an appropriate time for the document to be used.
If you do not already have one of these documents, they can be easily drawn up by us at your convenience, as long as you understand the document and its effect. We are happy to visit you to discuss this and there is no need for you to attend at our offices.
If you have not appointed an Attorney or it is not possible for you to appoint an Attorney because you do not fully understand the necessary documentation, an application can be made to the Court of Protection to appoint a Deputy. This Deputy will be able to manage your property and affairs on your behalf and can be a family member, friend or Solicitor.
We are experts in Court of Protection work and our Senior Partner, John Fryer, is approved by the Court of Protection and is frequently appointed by them to manage the affairs of those who do not have any family or friends who are able to carry out the duties of a Deputy. Please contact us to arrange a visit if you think that this may be useful for you.
Care Home Fees
The law states that anyone requiring care can be assessed by their local authority to find out what their assets and income are. This assessment determines what contribution, if any, you need to pay towards your care.
During this financial assessment, you must disclose full details of your assets. This includes assets and property which you own at the moment and may include property which you have owned previously. The Local authority has the right to investigate your affairs to confirm that any assets or property have not been given away in an attempt to avoid care fees.
Generally, you will not be asked to pay the full amount of your care if your total assets do not exceed £22,250 (2008). The Local Authority may also carry out an assessment of your nursing needs which may reduce the amount that you will have to pay.
If you need any advice in this respect, we are happy to meet with you.
Wills
It is essential to document your wishes in an up-to-date will to ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death.
If you do not have a will, your estate may pass to relatives who you do not have contact with or who you do not wish to benefit from your assets.
Ultimately, your estate could even pass to The Crown if there is no-one else to benefit from it.
If you do have a will, it is always good practice to review it regularly to ensure that your wishes have not changed.
We have a dedicated team of solicitors who can visit you at no extra cost in order to update or make a will.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
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