CASE STUDY

Heledd Wyn is an experienced solicitor specialising in estate planning, long-term care and asset protection. She is often asked to help manage the finances of people who are vulnerable and who may not have family to support them.

A recent example came when Heledd was contacted by a land agent who had been helping an individual manage their farm – letting out land on various tenancy agreements. Heledd says: “When he became concerned about the individual’s personal life, he got in touch with us.”

Subsequently, Heledd’s firm has become the ‘court-appointed deputy’, enabling her and her team to make sure that her client’s money (including savings and pensions) is managed in the most efficient way so that their life at home is as comfortable as possible and they are able to live “their best life”.

Each situation is different, but Heledd is keen to point out the important principles when supporting people who might be regarded as vulnerable: “This is about getting to know the client well, finding out what their needs are, and also managing a number of relationships for that person, whether that’s a carer or a tradesperson.”

In this case, Heledd was able to provide her client with a support package that allows them to remain in their own home with round-the-clock support and assistance: “In cases like this one, we’ll put a care package in place for our client that provides 24/7 live-in carers. They attend to all our client’s needs and arrange to buy anything they may want or need.”

Heledd is a member of STEP, a global professional body that represents lawyers, accountants, trustees and other practitioners that help families plan for their futures. STEP members are internationally recognised as experts in their field, with proven qualifications and experience. As a former member of the STEP Mental Capacity Special Interest Group Committee, Heledd is particularly committed to supporting vulnerable people to lead an independent and fulfilled life, and draws on many STEP resources to do so.