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Local law firm highlights the need to meet the needs of an ageing population with the appointment of a Court of Protection specialist

Expanding local law firm Hegarty Solicitors, based in Peterborough, Stamford and Oakham have announced the appointment of Karon Walton as their Head of Court of Protection department.  

Karon Walton specialises in later-life client law which includes Court of Protection applications; a specialist Court that deals with applications on behalf of people who have lost their mental capacity and are therefore unable to manage their own affairs.  Karon also specialises in contentious issues around the management of people’s financial affairs.

Karon has a wealth of experience having previously worked for Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE), a national organisation, as their Chief Legal Officer. At Solicitors for the Elderly Karon worked on policy, stakeholder engagement and business development to support their members in being the gold standard lawyers in older client law.

Karon was previously a Partner and Head of the Court Protection Team at another local solicitors, where she gained her experience in this important area of law.

“I am looking forward to joining the team at Hegarty Solicitors to meet the growing demand for support and advice regarding later-life planning. It is really important to ensure older and potentially vulnerable clients are represented and given the best advice possible to plan for the future” commented Karon.

According to a recent Office for National Statistics report, the UK population is ageing – around 18.2% of the UK population were aged 65 years or over in mid-2017, compared with 15.9% in 2007; this is projected to grow to 20.7% by 2027.

Greg Baker, Partner and Head of the Trusts and Probate Department at Hegarty Solicitors commented “As the overall age structure of the UK has tipped further towards the later-life age groups, it is now more important than ever to ensure we have the right expertise to help people when planning for their future. 

“Karon’s knowledge and wealth of experience in this area will mean that we are well placed to assist clients dealing with later-life issues such as Court of Protection applications.” 

Karon is a fully accredited member of SFE, holds a qualification with the Care Adviser Network and is a Dementia Friends Champion.

In addition, Karon has worked with the Court of Protection Rules Committee, the Court of Protection User Group and The Office of the Public Guardian on various changes to law and stakeholder engagement on policy and direction.  Other organisations that Karon has close links with are charities such as Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society and Action on Elder Abuse.

To speak to Karon call 01733 295 557 or email Karon.walton@hegarty.co.uk.