What is a Disabled Persons Trust

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:-
03/08/2023future planning

Leaving Assets to a Disabled Family Member

If a member of your family has a learning disability, planning for the future social and financial wellbeing of all concerned is particularly important.  
03/07/2023future planning

What is an Appointee

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.
01/07/2023future planning

How to Apply for Controllership

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.
19/05/2023future planning

Enduring Powers of Attorney - all your questions answered

 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.
24/02/2023future planning

Discretionary Trusts Frequently Asked Questions

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.
11/02/2023future planning

Private Client Partner Linda Johnston announces retirement

After 38 years in legal practice, our Private Client Partner Linda Johnston has announced her retirement. 
29/09/2021future planning

Liberty and Equality -v- Covid 19

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.
15/04/2020future planning

Protecting the liberty of the elderly or incapacitated is at the heart of new legislation

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. 
17/02/2020future planning

Linda Johnston chairs this years Law Society Elder Law Conference on Deprivation of Liberty

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.   
14/02/2020future planning

Law Society of NI launches Journal of Elder Law & Capacity

On 2nd May 2019, the Law Society of Northern Ireland launches its first edition of the Journal of Elder Law and Capacity.   
02/05/2019future planning

Linda Johnston Guest Speaker at Macmillan Legacy Event

  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.
27/03/2019future planning

Courts permission not required in agreed end-of-life decisions

  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.
30/07/2018future planning

Friday 15th June 2018 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day'

  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.
15/06/2018future planning

Linda Johnston is Key Note Speaker at the Law Society NIs Elder Law Conference

  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.
17/04/2018future planning

Linda Johnston assists in development of Law Society NIs Elder Client Working Group

  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.
17/04/2018future planning

Linda Johnston Accredited by Solicitors for the Elderly

  Our Elder Client Partner Linda Johnston is accredited with the Older Client Care in Practice (OCCP) Award via the Solicitors for the Elderly.
15/08/2016future planning

A Good Day at Stormont - The Mental Capacity Bill

  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!
24/03/2016future planning

Linda Johnston is Guest Speaker at STEP NI Elderly Client Seminar

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.
14/12/2015future planning