Melanie Williams

Melanie is a professional Property and Affairs Deputy and a professional trustee for Personal Injury Trusts. Melanie helps her clients from all over the country to manage their money because they struggle to make financial decisions for themselves. This includes everyday payments as well as administering multi-million pound compensation awards.

The majority of Melanie’s clients are people with dementia, learning disabilities and brain injuries following medical negligence or personal injuries.

Melanie provides a tailored approach to the financial situation of every client, taking account of the wishes of the person lacking capacity and their support team. Melanie receives valuable support by working closely with several independent financial advisers, our Oxford-based Trusts, Estates and Tax team, and attending regular training on financial planning.

Melanie has extensive experience in the care, social services and benefits systems, and so ensures her clients receive all available state funding.

Melanie can advise friends and family on applications to become financial affairs or welfare deputy themselves, as well as applications for one-off decisions by the Court of Protection. This might include welfare decisions, tax planning approval, gifts, trusts and statutory wills.

Melanie supports litigation solicitors by providing expert witness statements for claims involving mental capacity. These statements itemise a professional deputy’s range of responsibilities and put a monetary value on likely future expenses.

Melanie is a court-approved deputy by the Office of the Public Guardian. There are only 71 “panel deputies” in England and Wales.

Melanie is listed as a Recommended Lawyer in the Legal 500 (2024 edition).

Melanie received a 'Distinction in the STEP Advanced Certificate in Advising Vulnerable Clients'.

Melanie’s work includes:

• Managing funds arising from catastrophic clinical negligence and personal injury claims.
• Deputy for those with dementia and learning difficulties.
• Acting for professional & lay deputies on statutory will and welfare deputyship applications.
• Drafting and administrating Personal Injury Trusts, including High Court approved trusts for injured children.
• Special interest in NHS Continuing Healthcare matters.
• Managing cross-border assets, which can include making applications to become the legal guardian of clients’ financial affairs abroad.

Memberships

• Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners
• Scope recommended Adviser