Member Article

Recognition for Lodders’ legal advice for dementia sufferers

Two solicitors of Midlands and South West law firm Lodders who specialise in working with individuals affected by dementia, have been listed by Alzheimer’s Research UK in recognition of their experience.

Sofia Tayton and Louise Igoe, both partners in Lodders’ private client team, are now on the Alzheimer’s Research UK’s list of solicitors operating across the UK who have dedicated knowledge and experience of working with clients affected by dementia.

Sofia (pictured) is head of Lodders’ Care & Capacity team and advises clients on powers of attorney, Court of Protection applications, care funding, wills and estate planning, and managing the financial affairs of individuals who are unable to do so themselves.

She specialises in the preparation and registration of enduring and Lasting Powers of Attorney, the appointment of Deputies and management of financial affairs, care funding and reclaiming care fees, and works in particular with old and vulnerable clients, especially individuals with dementia, their families and carers. She is also a Dementia Friend, the support scheme that is part of and administered by the Alzheimer’s Society.

Louise Igoe is a specialist in wills, probate and estate planning and works extensively with vulnerable clients, including those affected by dementia.

Louise is a full member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP) and holds the STEP Diploma, and Sofia holds the STEP Advanced Certificate in Advising Vulnerable Clients, and is a full accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE).

Sofia Tayton said: “We feel strongly that people with dementia-related illnesses should be supported in expressing their wishes for as long as they can. If a client with dementia sees a solicitor who isn’t aware of the challenges that the illness can present, then they may misunderstand instructions, be unable to take instructions or cause stress for the client. It is hugely beneficial and vitally important that these vulnerable individuals have access to the most appropriate and experienced legal experts who are trained in working within this field and with these vulnerable individuals.”

Louise adds: “We are both fully trained in how to support clients under the Mental Capacity Act. For us as individuals, the firm’s private client team and the firm as a whole, are delighted to be listed on the Alzheimer’s Research UK list of specialist dementia solicitors, but importantly that more people can now access the important legal advice they need at such a hard and vulnerable time in their lives.”

Lodders is a premier law firm in Warwickshire, Cheltenham, the North Cotswolds, and Gloucestershire.

Established for over 230 years, Lodders works with private individuals, business owners, family businesses, landowners, rural communities, real estate and property owners, developers and investors. The firm has 25 partners, a portfolio of sector and market specific legal teams, over 130 fee earners and support staff across its office network, and has recorded year-on-year growth in recent years.

For more information, visit: www.lodders.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lodders Solicitors LLP .