Court of Protection & Incapacity Planning

Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputyship Advisory

Illness or mental incapacity can affect anyone at any age. Simply naming a next of kin does not give them authority to act on your behalf. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to choose trusted people to make decisions if you are unable to do so. Without an LPA, relatives must apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order, which can be time‑consuming, expensive and leaves the choice of decision‑maker to the court. Our specialists provide clear, compassionate advice on incapacity planning and manage applications under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Services

  • Drafting and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney for property and financial affairs, and for health and welfare
  • Advance decisions and living wills to record your wishes about medical treatment
  • Deputyship applications when no LPA exists, including urgent or contested applications
  • Statutory wills, sale of property, gifts and other orders requiring Court of Protection approval
  • Guidance for attorneys and deputies on their responsibilities, decision‑making and reporting requirements
  • Acting as professional attorneys or deputies when appropriate
  • Capacity assessments and best‑interests decisions, including advice on safeguarding and disputes

Approach

We provide clear explanations of legal duties and practical implications. Applications are prepared carefully and efficiently to ensure compliance with court requirements. We coordinate with tax, property and family teams to manage financial affairs and property transactions. Our approach combines legal precision with compassionate support for individuals and families facing difficult circumstances.

What clients value about working with us

David provides a hands on professional service a very reasonable cost.

Mike Rudd, FOTAS Limited

I am most impressed with Kate, she kept us informed in every step of the way and she certainly took the stress out of buying and selling a house. Thank you again Kate and team.

Martin Stevenson,

I have been using Saima and Cotterhill Hitchman for all my conveyancing for nearly 10 years. Their service is fast, friendly, efficient and extremely professional. I would fully recommend their services every time.

Matt Rowlands, Property Investor and Landlord

This practice has acted for my companies and me personally for nearly 20 years. Following the incorporation they have dealt with company matters, acquisitions, property purchases and advised extensively on contractual arrangements, culminating in a multi-million pound merger with an American group. Not only are they good lawyers but they have an abundance of commonsense and practicality. I have no hesitation in recommending them.

Andy Young, DSI Group

Expectations were exceeded, with a full hands on approach. Cotterhill Hitchman were always there to assist and be present at any meetings. Adequate support was definitely there for the school, knowing they had the same contact throughout, who was always on hand to contact and react quickly. To finalise the conversion a concise file was provided to all the relevant people which included a really useful summary of the legals. Cotterhill Hitchman were very approachable and always had direct contact with Saima. They were extremely professional at all stages of conversion. We are more than happy to share our excellent experiences with Cotterhill Hitchman, with other schools, as their legal support assisted to ensure smooth conversion.

Claire Snow, DRB Management

I have been using Saima and Cotterhill Hitchman for a number of years and they have provided me with clear and helpful guidance on a wide range of issues, including residential conveyancing, commercial property and Wills. Matters are always dealt with in an efficient and timely manner and I have continuously found them to be friendly and approachable. I would have no hesitation in recommending their services to others.

David Fitzgerald, Property Investor

Used Cotterhill Hitchman for my Dad's affairs. After a negative experience with another firm they were a delight to deal with. Manjinder and Kavita understood what we needed and were responsive and respectful throughout. All work was completed to a high standard and delivered quickly. Great firm.

Helen Wallace,

David has helped us, in many occasions, when we needed fundamental help on legal aspects for the business. I consistently get clear, no nonsense approach / solutions from David. I can highly recommend his services.

Paul Barenton, UBI Systems Limited

We were recommended to Cotterhill Hitchman by a good friend for a house purchase. Things were slightly more complex as we were leaving the UK to travel and needed to set up a Power of Attorney to act on our behalf. It was really important that we had a firm we could trust and call upon when needed as we were the other side of the world. The service from Aimee and Kate has been first class and I would highly recommend them to anyone needing a local firm that will go the extra mile.

Andrew Pettingill,

We chose this firm of solicitors as they came highly recommended. Having concluded our current activities with Cotterhill Hitchman, they did not disappoint. The Intestacy matter and related complications made this a very stressful time. With the expert help of David, Brinder, Saima, Satnaam and Manjinder, we were able to leave the matter in very capable hands. We were regularly kept up to date by telephone, email communication and where necessary in-person meetings. Delivering an extremely professional and efficient service, the entire Cotterhill Hitchman team performed flawlessly throughout and I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending their services.

Krzysztof Feurtado,

I found the advice given by Cotterhill Hitchman/Saima to be clear, reliable and extremely helpful at all times. Cotterhill Hitchman exceeded all my expectations and I would have no hesitation in recommending them to any school Business Manager. It was so reassuring to know that expert advice and support was only a phone call away. I was impressed not only with Saima's professionalism and attention to detail but with her friendly and approachable nature.

Paul Slack, Twickenham Primary School

Excellent solicitors highly recommended.

Sandra Roche,

Very highly recommended! Saima and her team are on the ball.

Mohammed Hussain,

I have had the pleasure of dealing with David for a number of years and have always found him to offer an exemplary service. I would have no hesitation in recommending David.

Grant Cumbley,

David is a well-informed and reliable solicitor who has to date delivered everything that he has promised.

Brinton Helliwell,

We have used Cotterhill Hitchman several times in the past couple of years for property related issues from conveyancing to negotiating leases and putting licensed in place and have always found them to be helpful and approachable and advice is always proved to be sound. In particular they gave clear guidance and helped us through the issue of negotiating a retail lease which we had never done before and certainly protected us from problems in the future. You will always use them in the future would not hesitate to recommend them to others.

Jane and Tom Dwyer,