The Importance of Legal Capacity

A conveyancing solicitor has been fined £15,000 and ordered to pay £23,650 in costs after facilitating the sale of a property owned by an elderly woman who lacked capacity.

The solicitor was warned three times of the woman's situation; however, she failed to take any further steps and exchanged and completed the sale simultaneously.

Upon learning that the property was sold without her consent, the woman expressed upset - though the solicitor said she was unaware of any mental problems.

A reminder that solicitors have a duty to protect vulnerable people from exploitation and make sure they are making informed decisions!

#solicitor #conveyancingsolicitor #vulnerablepeople