Post-settlement advice

Post-settlement advice

We offer an array of services for deputies, trustees and private clients. Making the most of a damages award is critical. In many cases, this money is vital to the claimant’s future wellbeing as they are unable to earn a salary. Investing a lump sum can seem daunting but our team can offer tailored advice for every client to help them make the most of their money.

 

INVESTING DAMAGES AWARDS

 

Investing in a lump sum and implementing a robust strategy can be intimidating. The difficulties are further exacerbated where capital has come from a damages award.

Many claimants simply do not have the option to earn a living; their award is vital to their future financial wellbeing. As circumstances change over a lifetime, investment plans need to adapt accordingly.

 

TRUSTEE INVESTMENT ADVICE

 

We offer an exceptional and bespoke approach towards investing money on behalf of trustees. We are highly experienced, and proud of the client-friendly professionalism that we bring to our work. Not only do we act for many lay trustees, but we are also instructed in investment matters by many professional trustees who value our services.

 

COURT OF PROTECTION

 

We offer an expansive range of services for protected beneficiaries and their deputies. Many of our Court of Protection clients are referred to us via their legal advisers and we also act in many cases where a professional deputy has been instructed. We also have experience of dealing with applications, budgets, cash-flow planning, carer cover and family care payments. Trustee / Deputy bank accounts & cash management Bank accounts form the core part of a client’s day-to-day spending, cash flow and income management. We can establish a variety of instant access, term deposit and savings accounts for clients. Most are cheque book operated and can also offer electronic payments and online viewing.

 

TRUSTEE / DEPUTY BANK ACCOUNTS

 

Bank accounts form the core part of a client’s day-to-day spending, cash flow and income management. We can establish a variety of instant access, term deposit and savings accounts for clients. Most are chequebook operated and can also offer electronic payments and online viewing.

 

PERSONAL INJURY TRUSTS

 

Many claimants are in receipt of welfare benefits at the point of receiving damages; others may be eligible in the future. If they do not receive appropriate advice about the use of personal injury trusts their benefits may be affected when they receive their awards. Legal advisers have a duty to inform claimants of the option to set up a trust in order to protect their benefits situation.

We can assist by providing a written assessment for all clients, and then if viable, arrange a suitably worded trust deed, establish their trustee bank account and deal with the local benefits agency both now and in years to come.

 

PERIODICAL PAYMENT ORDERS

 

We have built an enviable reputation in dealing with periodical payments for future losses. We have built our expertise acting for both claimants and defendants in high-value claims. Periodical payments are far from straightforward and we offer expert witness services to assist in this complex area of law and financial planning.

We also carry out annual periodical payment order calculation checks. After reviewing the original court order, we’ll check whether there is a step change involved, that the correct percentile is applied and ensure that we use the correct formula. This gives you and the client peace of mind and ensures that you can safely budget for the year ahead.

 

ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

 

Through NAS we offer the services of professional advisers dedicated to dealing with the accountancy needs of those who have received personal injury damages.

Tax returns

Whether a professional or lay person, deputy or trustee, tax matters can be daunting and time consuming especially if they are not familiar territory. NAS works closely with professional financial advisers to ensure tax bills are minimised, tax returns are completed accurately and submitted on time.

Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) Annual Returns

When a claimant is unable to look after their own finances by reason of mental incapacity, a deputy is appointed. The deputy is supervised by the OPG, and in most cases is required to submit an account to them each year. A report from a Property and Affairs deputy includes a record of money received and payments made on behalf of the individual lacking capacity. NAS works closely with both professional and lay deputies to ensure accurate and timely submission of OPG returns.

Trust accounts

Many personal injury trusts require accounts to be kept by trustees. NAS offers impartial advice to trustees on the requirement for accounts. In cases where accounts are required, they will ensure accurate records are maintained.

Family care payments

Many families opt to continue to care for their disabled relative post-settlement. Often, the family member(s) providing the care will receive care payments from the damages. NAS offer the expertise to liaise with HMRC to ensure the care payments are paid. They also offer the experience of dealing with applications, budgets, cash-flow planning, carer cover and family care payments.

 

WELFARE BENEFITS ADVICE

 

Our specialist benefits advice service aims to ease the burden of claiming benefits for clients having to navigate the complex welfare system for the first time. In addition to protecting damages, we offer a benefit ‘health-check’ service which aims to ensure that our clients are receiving every penny to which they are entitled, thus maximising their damages. Our Welfare Benefits Advisor provides representation at appeals and tribunal hearings, assisting to overturn unjust decisions, by applying expert knowledge of welfare benefits law.

For more than 20 years, I've relied on Jennifer Stone at Chase de Vere as my trusted financial adviser for personal injury cases. Her clear expertise in settlement meetings showcases her leadership and ability to navigate complexities, especially with clients under the Court of Protection.

For over two decades, Nick has consistently demonstrated exceptional expertise as an independent financial adviser, seamlessly managing substantial compensation awards with empathy for seriously injured clients, providing peace of mind to both clients and their families.

I have been a PI trustee client of Chase de Vere for 11 years. I consider that during that time I have received excellent financial advice tailored to the risks that I was prepared to take. Its support has been thoughtful, well-considered, open and honest.

Jennifer, my financial adviser, ensures my lifelong financial stability with her honest, compassionate, and professional approach, consistently navigating the complexities of my life and prioritizing every question, no matter how small.

Chase de Vere recently helped me with a Personal Injury Trust (PIT) matter. I contacted the team, who could not have helped more, showing care at a stressful time. They found a bank for my trust and set up an account for me when all else had failed. Chase de Vere did it all.

Knowing the team at Chase de Vere are taking care of the big investment decisions for us gives us real peace of mind. We feel very safe in their hands.

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