CoP Costs Assessments - Top 10 Reductions & How Professional Deputies Can Avoid Them

Introduction

Professional deputies safeguard the property and finances of some of society’s most vulnerable individuals, protecting them from financial abuse and ensuring their affairs are managed with care and integrity. Yet despite the importance of this work, fair remuneration is often undermined during the costs assessment process.

This new virtual classroom seminar reveals the most common reasons why Court of Protection (‘CoP’) costs are reduced at assessment and more importantly, how those reductions can be prevented. Drawing on the analysis of hundreds of assessed CoP bills, it uncovers the 10 most frequent reductions, explains the reasoning behind them and provides practical steps deputies can take to strengthen their billing practices.

By understanding what assessors look for and adapting their approach accordingly, deputies can reduce avoidable deductions, improve recovery rates and ensure they are properly compensated for the essential work they deliver.

Register today to gain actionable insights that will help protect both your costs and the vulnerable clients you serve.

What You Will Learn

The session will cover the following:

• Hourly rates, retainers and client care letters - understand the application of the indemnity principle, when enhancements to guideline hourly rates may be justified and how clear retainers and client care documentation can protect recovery of costs
• Authorities for costs and risks at assessment - explore how authority issues can jeopardise recovery at assessment, including practical guidance on recovering costs following the death of the protected party
• Interested parties and their impact on assessments - learn when a bill of costs should be served on an interested party, the potential consequences of failing to do so and how interested parties can influence the assessment process
• File management and effective file notes - discover how strong file management practices and well-drafted attendance notes can support your claim for costs and assist the court during assessment
• The top 10 most common reductions at assessment and how to avoid them - based on the analysis of hundreds of assessed bills, recurring themes will be identified, common pitfalls and the approaches most frequently adopted by costs officers
• CoP case law round-up - gain insight into the latest CoP decisions and developments, with practical analysis of their impact on deputies and costs recovery

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.