The Court of Protection exists to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our society who lack the requisite capacity to make decisions for themselves.

At Pump Court Chambers, we understand the unprecedented challenges which the current COVID-19 pandemic has caused for all those involved in this area, whether it be the patient (P) or their relatives, local authorities, care providers, professionals representing the best interests of P, and those carrying out assessments.

Chambers’ Court of Protection team is at the forefront of this area of law, due in part to its strong expertise in the related fields of family law, mental health law, inheritance law, and property law. The team consists of a core group of specialist barristers, and includes a Deputy High Court Judge with authorisation to sit in the Court of Protection, Recorders, and Deputy District Judges. Several of our team members have also worked in-house for local authorities dealing with adult social care and Court of Protection matters.

This breadth and depth of experience ensures that we are well placed to advise and represent a range of clients to the highest standard in this specialist area of practice. Members are frequently instructed on behalf of P, relatives, local authorities and other statutory bodies, care providers, and the Official Solicitor.

Our Court of Protection team continue to work as usual in our client’s best interests. We offer state of the art technology for remote hearings and conferences, which enables us to continue to provide prompt advice and guidance to our clients on a range of matters including:

• s.21A DOLS challenges to arrangements in a care home or hospital;
• Disputes concerning visits or contact with P;
• Disputes concerning property and affairs, including deputyship matters;
• Disputes concerning welfare, including medical treatment;
• Disputes concerning capacity assessments.

Fees

We understand the very difficult circumstances many of our clients are facing, and are happy to offer a fixed fee quotation for all of our services. We can also offer bespoke fee structures to solicitors, local authorities, care homes and other bodies where that is preferred, and can exercise flexibility where appropriate.

For further information on Court of Protection team, please do not hesitate contact Tony Atkins, Senior Clerk (t.atkins@pumpcourtchambers.com or 07515 334454) or Sean Gentleman, Senior Family Clerk (s.gentleman@pumpcourtchambers.com or 07411 970188).