Planning ahead becomes more important as we age – not just for ourselves, but for those who care about us. At Whitehead Monckton, we specialise in supporting elderly and vulnerable clients with clear, compassionate legal advice. Whether you’re preparing for future care, managing finances, or supporting a loved one who’s lost capacity, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Every team member who advises elderly clients and their families is a “Dementia Friend”, meaning that they have committed to learning about dementia and have greater understanding of the issues that people living with dementia face.
At Whitehead Monckton, we offer a range of advice and legal services to help vulnerable and elderly clients and their families to gain the peace of mind that comes with having everything in place to ensure their wishes are carried out as they would want.
An LPA lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions if you lose mental capacity. It’s essential for those living with dementia, Parkinson’s, or other progressive conditions.
We advise on both types:
Our team will help you:
It’s wise to set up an LPA alongside your Will or financial planning – so your affairs are protected if the unexpected happens.
To help you prepare for an appointment download our LPA brochure and LPA questionnaire.
If your affairs are complex or you lack a suitable family member, you can appoint Whitehead Monckton as your Professional Attorney. Our fixed-fee Professional Attorney Programme programme includes:
Choosing a professional attorney is a significant decision. We take that responsibility seriously – acting with care, impartiality, and in your best interests should you lose capacity in the future.
If no LPA is in place and a loved one loses capacity, the Court of Protection may appoint a Deputy to manage their affairs. We can help you:
There are two types of Deputyship:
Our lasting power of attorneys in Kent work closely with families, care providers and medical professionals to ensure vulnerable individuals are protected and supported with dignity.
To learn more, read: Understanding the Court of Protection
Both LPAs and Deputyships allow someone to make decisions for a person who lacks capacity. The key difference is timing:
Planning ahead with an LPA avoids the need for court involvement and gives you more control over future decisions.
Deputies must act in the best interests of the person they represent, following the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Duties include:
New Deputyship orders often have close supervision in the first year, followed by lighter oversight once routines are established.
Deputies must submit detailed annual accounts to the OPG, outlining financial transactions and decisions made. If reports are incomplete or unclear, the OPG may request further information – or refer the matter back to the Court.
We regularly prepare these reports for both professional and lay Deputies, ensuring accuracy and compliance. We can assist as a one-off or on an annual basis, often for a fixed fee. All you need to do is keep records and receipts – we’ll handle the rest.
In cases where a professional Deputy is needed – due to the complexity of the estate or absence of a suitable family member – our Directors are happy to act in this role. We bring decades of experience, discretion and care to every appointment.
While many prefer to receive care at home, sometimes residential care becomes necessary. If that time comes, choosing the right care home, and understanding the contract, is crucial.
Planning for long-term care involves more than choosing a care home – it’s about protecting your financial wellbeing and ensuring your wishes are respected.
We offer advice on:
Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to a sudden health change, we’ll help you make informed decisions that balance care needs with financial security.
Care fees can be substantial. Whether you’re signing for yourself or a loved one, we’ll help you understand:
Already signed? We can still help – especially if fees are increasing or charges arise after a resident’s death.
Whitehead Monckton is trusted by generations of families across Kent and London for expert legal support for elderly and vulnerable clients.
As proud members of STEP (Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners), our team is known for a clear, compassionate, and practical approach. With offices in Maidstone, Canterbury, Tenterden, and Ramsgate, we’re here to help you navigate life’s legal challenges with confidence.
