Clients frequently ask us: “Is Misuse Of Power Of Attorney a criminal offence?” Yes, we encounter many cases where an Attorney’s abuse of Power of Attorney constitutes a criminal offence. When someone agrees to act as an Attorney to manage a Donor’s finances, whether for a spouse or parent, our experience shows that Attorneys are […]
How Long Does An OPG Investigation Take?
We understand that when someone is subject to an investigation by the Office of the Public Guardian because concerns have been raised about their actions as an Attorney, that this is an exceptionally stressful time. How Long Does An OPG Investigation Take? The first an Attorney hears is often the letter together with a 27-page […]
Attorneys Who Have Been Accused Of Power Of Attorney Violations
We are often contacted by Attorneys who have been accused of Power of Attorney violations When someone signs up to be an Attorney under a Lasting Power of Attorney, they are almost never told about the obligations they have taken on themselves. These obligations are known as “fiduciary duties” and they mean that the Attorney […]
Legal Rights of Care Home Residents -A Recent Example Of The Law In Action
Legal Rights of Care Home Residents -a recent example of the law in action – Can a local authority put parents in different care homes? Summary David and Dianne Steene, experts in adult social care law, supported a client whose Local Authority was threatening to split up her parents who had been married for 60 […]
Steene Law Helps Suspended Attorneys Recover Their Authority
At Steene Law Ltd we are often contacted by Attorneys who either have been or are in the process of being removed by the Office of the Public Guardian, having inadvertently breached the Mental Capacity Act by making gifts to themselves out of the Donor’s money. This often happens where the Donor is a parent […]
Attention All Self-Funders
Attention All Self-Funders – Are you paying care fees for either care at home or in a residential care home? If so, please read on. In October 2023, a lifetime care fee cap of £86,000 is being introduced. However, in order to take advantage of that care fee cap, a Local Authority needs to know […]
Stopping A Local Authority Splitting Up Married Couple Going Into Care
Stopping a Local Authority splitting up married couple who needed to go into residential care -a recent example of the law in action–– a happy outcome Summary David and Dianne Steene, experts in adult social care law, supported a client whose Local Authority was threatening to split up her parents who had been married for […]
Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) Investigations- some good news for a change!
On 10th of November 2021, the OPG confirmed that Attorneys and Deputies are finally entitled to see a Donor’s medical records. This will help our clients who have been accused of not acting in their family member’s best interests. This is welcome news. At Steene Law we specialise in acting for people who have been […]
Reflections on Recent OPG Investigation Cases
Performing the role of Attorney for a family member or friend is not a task that should ever be taken lightly. Not only is there a huge weight of expectation from the Donor but there is a duty to perform the tasks required to the letter of the law. And at any stage, there is […]
Steene Law Detects Changes in Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) Attorney Investigations Procedure
Being accused of failing to act in the best interests of a Donor who has made a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can come as a considerable shock to anyone who has been placed into the trusted role of Attorney, especially if there is no basis for such allegations. Whether it is a member of […]