Court appointed Deputy - help requested.

hubris

I've just been appointed Deputy in charge of my mother's finance and affairs. This was required because although she's able to look after herself, she's suffered from schizophrenia for a number of years. As a result of her concerns that mysterious (non-existent) people were stealing her money, she would withdraw large amounts of cash for safekeeping on her person, and in random places. Unfortunately, she has sometimes forgotten where she hid this money. She has also been opening numerous new accounts and transferring money into them, as another safeguard against these (non-existent) thieves.

Anyway, deputeeship. I need a way enable her to continue paying in her pension and other income in her account(s), but to lock them down so that she cannot withdraw unreasonable amounts of money - set a weekly withdrawal limit, for example. Is this possible?

I am also concerned that as I limit the amount of money she has access to, she may open new accounts at other institutions, free from these limitations I intend to set. Can I serve notice on all other banks to prevent her opening new accounts without my approval?

Thanks.

H

dzug1

The only way you can prevent her spending her own money is to take all her cards and cheque books and dole her out cash as required. (Or possibly turn accounts into two signatures on cheque required.)

None of the other methods will work - she has the absolute right (unless she's sectioned in an institution) to do whatever she sees fit with her money. Physical prevention is the only way.

Could be worth discussing the situation with her main bank - they may have some ideas.

Possibly - allow her one account where you control the inflow of money and thus the weekly spend. But you can't stop her opening new accounts (there is no way any bank will accept an instruction NOT to open an account - and you don't have that power anyway), just prevent her having the means of funding them.

A very difficult situation for you unfortunately.

Willman_Rodders

Just to add to DZUG1's suggestion. You could open a new account as your mother's deputy. Then arrange with the pension people (and other income providers) for the pension & income to be paid into this new account. And from the new account you could then arrange for a regular transfer to your mother's account.

This solution thus allows your mother access to her money (albeit limited in amount) via a cash machine - and also gives you an audit trail for the purposes of the Court of Protection.

I recommend you also speak to your mother's bank; let them know of your appointment, and the concerns you have regarding withdrawel of money. They may have facilities that can help.