If you would like further information on the cost of a professional deputy then please call our free legal helpline on 0808 139 1606 or send an email to us at [email protected]
Where a solicitor acts as a professional deputy the solicitor is entitled to receive fixed costs that are set by the Court of Protection.
If the patient’s assets exceed a certain threshold the solicitor can apply for their professional fees to be assessed by the court if those fixed costs are insufficient to cover all the fees incurred.
Legal costs over and above the fixed costs limit will be assessed by the Senior Courts Costs Office. The assessment process will ensure that the solicitor only receives costs that are fair and reasonable.
The fixed cost of a professional deputy applies to:-
- applications to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order;
- annual management services;
- preparing and lodging the annual report or annual account;
- preparing an HMRC income tax return; and
- conveyancing fees when a property is bought or sold.
The cost of a professional deputy can be paid from the patient’s assets.
- when the patient has received, or is expecting to receive, a large sum of money (for example, as a result of a personal injury or medical negligence claim);
- where the patient has substantial assets or or a property portfolio that requires management; and
- where the patient does not have any close family or friends who are able to take on the role.
Where we are appointed to act as a professional deputy this fixed fee charging structure will apply and we shall be happy to provide you with specific details of any charges that are likely to be incurred. You can read more about appointing Slee Blackwell Solicitors as your professional deputy here.
For further guidance on the cost of a professional deputy call our free legal helpline on 0808 139 1606 or email us at [email protected]