Vulnerable Groups

Specialist legal advice for vulnerable people who need extra protection.

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Expert legal support for vulnerable individuals

Complications as a result of illness, age, disability or personal circumstances can make someone more vulnerable. Having the right legal support isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Our team works closely with individuals and families to safeguard rights, manage risks and ensure vulnerable people receive the protection and respect they’re entitled to.

When to seek support for a vulnerable person

You may need legal advice if you’re supporting someone who:

Struggles to make certain decisions due to age, illness, disability or cognitive issues
Is at risk of financial abuse or coercion
Needs help managing property, finances or personal welfare
Requires additional safeguards when signing legal documents
Is involved in a dispute where their capacity or vulnerability needs to be formally recognised
Is navigating care arrangements or long-term support planning

The earlier you involve a specialist, the easier it is to prevent problems, avoid disputes and ensure their rights are fully protected.

Vulnerable Person Trusts

Protect the future of a loved one with additional needs. A Vulnerable Person Trust offers security, stability and peace of mind. Find out how we can help you put the right plans in place.

Solicitors for the Elderly

Dedicated solicitors for the elderly offering clear, compassionate advice on later-life planning, asset protection, and decision-making when it matters most.

Care Fee Planning

Strategic advice to help manage and plan for care costs, protect family assets, and ensure care needs are met without unnecessary financial strain.

Funding Your Care

Worried about care home fees? Our expert solicitors offer clear advice to help you plan with confidence. Find out how we can help.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

Our Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors can ensure there is someone appointed to deal with your assets, and health and welfare decisions when you are no longer able to.

Deputyship & Court of Protection

Legal support for applying for, managing, or disputing deputyship, ensuring decisions are made lawfully and in the person’s best interests.

Trust Corporation

Professional trustee services providing long-term oversight, continuity and independent management of trusts for vulnerable beneficiaries.

How Goughs help vulnerable groups

Our solicitors provide tailored support to people who may need additional legal safeguards. This includes:

Assessing mental capacity and identifying where support is required
Advising families and carers on legal responsibilities
Putting protective structures in place, such as powers of attorney or trusts
Managing financial risks and preventing exploitation
Supporting vulnerable adults through complex legal processes
Working with healthcare professionals, local authorities and care teams
Ensuring decisions are made in the individual's best interests

Why choose Goughs

Specialist expertise and clear advice helping families protect vulnerable people

Vulnerable People FAQs

Who is classed as a vulnerable person?

A vulnerable person is someone who may struggle to protect their own interests due to age, disability, illness, cognitive impairment, or their personal circumstances. This can include older adults, people with learning difficulties, those experiencing mental health challenges, or anyone at risk of influence or exploitation.

How do you assess whether someone has mental capacity?

Capacity is assessed based on whether the person can understand, retain and weigh up information needed to make a decision, and communicate their choice. The assessment is decision-specific and time-specific, meaning someone may have capacity for some matters but not others.

What legal protections can be put in place for vulnerable people?

Depending on the situation, this may include lasting powers of attorney, deputyship trusts, controlled access to finances, tailored care plans or additional safeguards when entering into legal agreements.

Our clients rate us as excellent

Anon

She clearly explained the house selling process; the hitches that could happen. She was friendly and efficient.

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Corsham

Well-managed transaction handled promptly and professionally. We have used Goughs before, will use again and would not hesitate to recommend

Robert Cook

I mainly deal with the Conveyancing Department and also found them to be extremely professional, diligent and a pleasure to deal with. Nothing is too much trouble.

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Devizes

I have used Goughs solicitors for conveyancing on more than one occasion. Extremely efficient and professional and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them

Catherine was very detailed in her approach to a number of issues that arose with the purchase of my property. She delivered a great service and kept me well informed.

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