A Disabled Person’s Trust is set up to particularly benefit a “disabled person”.  The definition of a disabled person is drawn from Tax legislation and defined as someone who is:-

If a member of your family has a learning disability, planning for the future social and financial wellbeing of all concerned is particularly important.  

An Appointee is a person appointed to receive state benefits on behalf of someone else (the Claimant) who does not have enough understanding (mental capacity) to sort this out for themselves.

This week is Dementia Action Week 2023 – a week aimed at highlighting the ways in which we can all take action to improve the lives of people living with dementia.  For those who have loved ones who are suffering from dementia, it is important to consider how becoming mentally incapacitated with such an illness could affect their ability to manage their financial affairs.

 None of us like to think of the possibility as we grow older of getting too ill, either mentally or physically, to manage our property and finances ourselves.

For many of us, the purpose of executing a Will is to make sure our loved ones are provided for once we are no longer around. However, when that loved one has a disability, this can lead to challenges.

After 38 years in legal practice, our Private Client Partner Linda Johnston has announced her retirement. 

The English Court of Protection has recently given judgement concerning the banning of family visits to a care homes following government guidance in light of the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic.

The first provisions of the Mental Capacity Act (NI) 2016 rolled out in December 2019 are key human rights safeguards.  At a conference organised by the Law Society of Northern Ireland and chaired by one of our partners Linda Johnston, representatives from the legal, health and voluntary sectors met to consider the practical implications of the new statutory framework. 

Linda Johnston was the Chair of this year’s Elder Law Conference organised by the Law Society of NI and convened on 6th February 2020.   

On 2nd May 2019, the Law Society of Northern Ireland launches its first edition of the Journal of Elder Law and Capacity.   

  Our Elder Client Partner Linda Johnston was a guest speaker at a Macmillan NI legacy event which took place at the Belfast Castle on 26th March 2019.

  The Supreme Court has now ruled that there is no requirement for families or doctors of patients in a permanent vegetative state to seek permission from the Courts prior to withdrawing medical treatment.

  The United Nations designated 15th June 2018 as ‘World Elder Abuse Awareness Day’.  This is an occasion to recognise and highlight the issue of elder abuse in the world and for each country to vocalise its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted upon some members of our older generations.

  Linda Johnston was a key note speaker at the Elder Law Conference organised by the Law Society of NI in association with Age NI and Step NI.

  Our Elder Client Partner, Linda Johnston, has recently played a key role in the establishment of an Elder Client Working Group of Solicitors within the Law Society of NI.

  Our Elder Client Partner Linda Johnston is accredited with the Older Client Care in Practice (OCCP) Award via the Solicitors for the Elderly.

  For most of my life, Stormont has symbolised political strife and dysfunction. However, on 15th March 2016, from the visitor’s gallery, I witnessed the Assembly at its best, passing ground- breaking legislation with constructive cross-party support.  What a refreshing change!

Linda Johnston, our Partner who heads up our Chancery and Property Law Departments, has attended as a guest speaker at the STEP Northern Ireland Elderly Client Seminar.