Deputy or not Deputy

[charlie1]

Hello
I have started ball rolling to be a deputy for my 32 year old sonI have an appointment with GP next week to assess his mental capacity which will cost £110 .I am wondering if I am making an expensive mistake.He gets all his benefits and I am his appointee.Does it help at all?I am applying only for property and affairs can someone advise.He does not have savings as such but only money I have put into premium bonds and a saving account at Nationwide.Am I being stupid or what?It seems that we could carry on and do things as always but being a deputy has ongoing financial ramifications, paying court fees each year, sending statements etc.
To this date he is unaware of how much he gets and only recently have we set a set ammount for board and lodging.I have in the past transferred money in and out to help when we have found it difficult paying mortgage etc but I could not print a statement saying everything was to his personal benefit other than if we got behind with payments we could have been homeless.Now my mortgage is paid and I get a NHS pension and OAP pensions we are in a greater position to save and put money into his bank accounts.I had not thought about being a deputy until I paid money into premium bonds and I was told I could not do that for someone unless I was a deputy.Has anyone any positive advice or should I stop the ball and just carry on.?

[frances_is_a_sibling]

Really good question @charlie1 - I don’t have personal experience of this but think that it’s a useful thing to have, but like you say, comes with costs and admin. Do try the Choice Forum and Carers UK forum for opinions as well. Carers UK forum isn’t specific to LD but I imagine you will have other family carers who will have considered deputyship too.

[charlie1]

Thank you for that Frances I have now found 2 more forums all of which offer more support to carers.It is good news that so many people are out there asking and answering similar questions or even poke you to think about something new that I hadnt thought of before.Thankyou I will read more threads and get back.

[frances_is_a_sibling]

Yes - the more that people come together and share experiences (on this forum, on any…) the more we are all stronger No problem @charlie1 let us know how you get on.

[alanwpickup]

Hi Charlie

One thing that I would suggest is that you attend the next nearest Mencap Wills and Trusts Seminar in your area, these are free to attend and offer a lot of advise on future planning. I am presuming that you are talking about a lasting power of attorney, but then again I may be wrong as I have had no experience of being a Deputy and that you are going down the court of protection route.

I would be careful about putting monies direct into an account in his name as you may fall foul of the savings / benefits cap. Far better for you to retain any monies you can in your name and plan for a Trust Fund either administered by family or by the Mencap Wills and Trust Service. There is good information and videos on their site

[charlie1]

Hello alanwpickup
Thank you for your reply which has helped.I did attend a seminar many years ago but have forgotten most probably because the information I received at the time was not relevant (so I thought) to me…I have found throughout life that unless something is needed I tend not to give it as much attention and then later it becomes an issue.There are no seminars near me at moment.
I have cancelled my appointment with GP to get Mental Capacity done for COP1 application and decided that as my sons only income is from benefits ESA,PIP and Universal Credit that I don’t need COP Deputyship especially if judge throws it out and you don’t get your £400 back.I have just closed his premium bond account and when money comes back will send it to mine.
Once again thank you for reply