Katrina Vollentine

A solicitor since 1996 with partnership experience in a leading firm in London, I joined the firm in 2007 and became a partner here in 2009.  I led the very successful and well regarded Private Client Department between 2009 and 2023 when I decided it was time to return to a more client facing role.

I am based in our South Devon office, but spend time supporting and managing the department in all our locations. I principally assist people who lack the mental capacity to manage their own affairs, either through illness, disability or acquired brain injury. I am a specialist in all matters relating to the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

My expertise includes Court of Protection and office of the Public Guardian work, powers of attorney and related matters, and advising and assisting clients in relation to health care and welfare issues both in a care home and in their own home. I also give advice on state/local authority support and funding, including applications for NHS continuing care fees, and challenging decisions where necessary. I act as an attorney or as a Court appointed deputy as well as advising those applying for their own appointment. As deputy I manage the property and financial affairs of those people who lack the mental capacity to manage these matters themselves. I act as deputy and as attorney in relation to health and welfare matters where necessary.

I am one a limited number of professionals in England and Wales to have been appointed to the Office of the Public Guardian’s panel of last resort deputies. I act as deputy in complex matters including disputes, or where there has been a necessity to revoke a power of attorney.  I am appointed in cases where there is no suitable person to act as a deputy, including disputes about who should be appointed as deputy. Additionally, I advise clients and deal with a full range of Court of Protection applications which include applying for gifts, statutory wills, welfare decisions – all of which may be contested.

Although my chosen field is in the area of Mental Capacity law, I have significant experience in the administration of estates – including complex and high value matters, as well as intestacies and foreign aspects of estate administration.  I have similarly vast experience in preparing and advising on wills.  As well as my deputyship work, I act as a professional executor, administrator, attorney, and trustee

I am a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and of Solicitors for the Elderly. I am also a full member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists and the Professional Deputies Forum and I have a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Law.

I spend my spare time taking on more and more difficult cycling challenges, bouldering, travelling and walking with my dogs.