About Us
Who we are
Atkins & Palmer provides advice and representation in mental capacity law and Court of Protection cases. We are also experts in mental health law. We are a specialist firm which means that we can concentrate on the work that we excel at. As we are a small team we can take time to truly understand your case and your aims. This enables us to achieve the best possible results for you.
What we do
Our specialist mental capacity and Court of Protection team can help with the following:
- Representation before the Court of Protection in a case concerning a person’s health and welfare
- Advice about a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) standard authorisation
- Advice about a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) urgent authorisation
- Challenging a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) authorisation in the Court of Protection
- Advice about assessments of mental capacity
- Advice on disputes about the best interests of a person who lacks capacity
- Help when someone is deprived of their liberty without authorisation or protection
- Advice where there is a dispute about a Lasting Power of Attorney or deputy appointed
Our expert mental health team can help with the following:
- Advice about detention under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended) for both civil and forensic patients
- Representation at the First-tier Tribunal (Mental Health)
- Representation at the Upper-tier Tribunal
- Attendance at Hospital Managers Hearings
- Assistance with Care Programme Approach (CPA) and section 117 meetings
- Advice on voluntary inpatient admissions
- Assistance with issues about treatment and progress both in hospital and in the community
- Help to challenge unlawful detention
- Advice on the provision of aftercare under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended)
Where we are
Our office is located in north London. Our team can also travel to other parts of England, and Wales to assist clients.
Cost
Atkins & Palmer holds a legal aid contract and we can provide services under the legal aid scheme. We have to carry out an assessment of whether you qualify for legal aid. Our team has to look at the merits of your case. Additionally we sometimes have to assess your financial means. To see whether you may be eligible for legal aid you can check the Legal Aid Agency’s Civil Eligibility Calculator
If you are not eligible for legal aid we can also provide services at affordable fixed fees or hourly rates. Whether it is a fixed fee or an hourly rate fee depends on the complexity of the case. We provide an initial free telephone consultation to discuss more about our services and fees.