Hannah Clare

Hannah Clare is a paralegal within the Court of Protection team based in our Lincoln office.

She graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2021 with a first class degree in law.

She directs the application process to appoint people as Court of Protection deputies for her clients who lack mental capacity. Often, professional deputies here at Wilkin Chapman are appointed under these orders, so she supports the management of her clients’ financial affairs.

Her work varies day-to-day, from constructing witness statements for court to organising the sale of clients’ property. Further, she assists her clients in applying for benefits from Department of Work and Pensions.

She is also able to draft and register Lasting Powers of Attorney with the Office of the Public Guardian, in addition to preparing certified copies of these documents.

Key specialisms

Online deputyship applications

Frustrated with the court’s backlog, Hannah took the innovative step to research, trial, and teach a new pilot application process to her colleagues.

This involves upfront notification of the person lacking capacity and three other people who have an interest in the application such as family members, friends, care home managers, and GPs. This application process has proven to significantly reduce the time it takes for the court to grant a Deputyship Order.

Where the court raises questions about an application, she works with her colleagues across departments to create collaborative and practical solutions.

Supporting deputies and attorneys

Often, her colleagues are appointed as professional deputies or attorneys. Hannah therefore supports the team by managing clients’ bank accounts and investments on a day-to-day basis.

When a larger financial decision needs to be made, such as when purchasing or selling a property, she will weigh up the options and make the decision which she believes is in the client’s best interests. She then collaborates with the deputy or attorney for their approval on such transactions.