We can prepare the annual deputyship report and accounts for you or offer assistance and support to you if you are completing them yourself.
Duty to submit annual report and accounts
A deputy appointed by the Court of Protection to manage the financial affairs of a person who has lost mental capacity is required to complete and submit an annual report and accounts to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
Preparing the annual deputyship report and accounts
The annual deputyship report and accounts must be submitted to the OPG using a prescribed form. It is necessary to ensure that the accounts detail all financial transactions that took place over the previous 12 months, along with other relevant information. Therefore good record keeping by the deputy is vital.
Legal fees
The Court of Protection allows a solicitor’s legal fees to be claimed where the solicitor acts a professional deputy. The solicitor can claim fixed costs or have their costs assessed by the court. The 2011 fixed costs for preparing and submitting an annual report or annual account to the OPG is £235 plus VAT.
How we can help with the annual report and accounts
Where one of our solicitors is appointed as a professional deputy we will prepare and submit the annual report and accounts to the OPG.
Where a non-professional is acting as a deputy, we can assist them with the preparation and submission of the annual report and accounts. However it is important that good financial records are maintained in order to keep costs to a minimum.
Our specialist lawyers will go through the financial details with you and complete the court documents.
When doing this we can advise you on your duties and obligations concerning the management of the person’s financial affairs, including tax issues, investment policy, property holdings, care fees and welfare benefits.
Knowing that the financial affairs are all in order and have been professionally checked and approved gives our clients absolute peace of mind.
For FREE initial advice on preparing and submitting the annual deputyship report and accounts give us a call on 0808 139 1606 or email us at [email protected]