Melanie Williams

About Me

Melanie works for clients all over the country as a professional Property and Affairs Deputy. Her clients include those with dementia, learning disabilities and those who have suffered a catastrophic personal injury. This role involves taking responsibility for the property and affairs of someone who lacks the capacity to make decisions for themselves. Melanie is appointed to the Office of the Public Guardian’s Panel of court-approved deputies. This means that she can be appointed as deputy where there is nobody else able or willing to act or in circumstances where it is more appropriate for an independent professional to be appointed. There are only 68 panel deputies appointed throughout England and Wales. Melanie provides advice and support to lay deputies about their ongoing responsibilities. She can advise and assist with property and affairs applications, welfare applications, tax matters and deputyship returns. She frequently makes applications to the Court of Protection for a Statutory Will where somebody cannot make their own Will. In this instance instructions are taken, often from the deputy or a family member, and a draft of a proposed Will is sent to the Court of Protection for approval. Representations may be made to the Court by those who will be affected by the Will. Where possible, if all parties can agree, the matter can be concluded without the need for an attended hearing at Court.