Katrina Vollentine

I joined the firm in 2007 and became a partner in 2009. I am the head of the firm’s Private Client department, which consists of a team of lawyers across our offices. 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 have also acted as deputy and as attorney in relation to health and welfare matters.

I have been one of only 60 professionals in England and Wales to be appointed to the Office of the Public Guardian’s panel of last resort deputies. This results in my appointment as deputy in complex matters including disputes, or where there has been a necessity to revoke a power of attorney and 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.

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 I have a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Law.

In my spare time I enjoy cycling, archery, travelling and walking with my dogs.