I am going to use my award to purchase a property - should I have a trust?

Providing the property is to be your main residence, its value will be disregarded in relation to any means tested state benefits received. However, should you require residential care later in life the property may no longer be ignored in relation to your ability to pay for your care. Whilst for many, the risk of requiring residential care may be many years away, holding the property, which is often their largest single asset, within the trust will protect its value from assessment and secure the option of handing the property down to the next generation or the option of selling and accessing the equity rather than handing it to the Local Authority.

My name is Amy and I am now 24. I have cerebral palsy, which I why I can’t talk or walk. This often means people don’t realise I am otherwise a normal human being.

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My name is David. I’m 52 years old and live with my wife, Lesley, and ‘Bernie’ our very affectionate and inquisitive Jack Russell. I was involved in a serious accident at work in 2005 and broke my back and suffered an acquired brain injury.
I am Jack's Mum and Court of Protection appointed Deputy. Jack has cerebral palsy, which has a profound impact on every aspect of his daily life.
It is rare that the investment of an award of damages is the sole solution to our clients lifetime needs. But the importance of investing an award of damages with a suitable degree of investment risk, in a manner that meets expectations should not be underplayed; it takes many skills, understanding, experience and a tested methodology.

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