NEWS & THOUGHTS BY

Ian MacKendrick

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Multiple financial and legal professionals contribute to the assessment of investment suitability, each playing an important role in achieving the best possible outcomes for their

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A 39-year-old male claimant suffering a disabling ankle injury received £13,000 in backdated Personal Independence Payments (PIP) from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)

Introduction For vulnerable individuals and their families, welfare benefits play a critical role in ensuring that they have access to the necessary support and resources.

On financial advice to vulnerable individuals with Ian Mackendrick

Good morning, Hope you are exceptionally well today. Been overwhelmed by two things recently — firstly, due to the huge support and instructions continuing from

What our clients say

  • We first came across Steve and the Paladin Group due to a medical negligence claim. Our solicitors advised us to open a Personal Injury Trust account so that any award would be protected from affecting my wife’s benefits. Steve responded quickly, talked us through the purpose of the account, and had everything set up in no time.

    But it didn’t end there. I explained to Steve the level of benefit my wife was receiving and how we felt something wasn’t right but didn’t know where to start. He suggested we speak with Jane.

    Jane reached out straight away, visited us, and went through my wife’s current award and the issues we were facing. She immediately recognised that the benefit level was incorrect. She helped us submit a mandatory reconsideration (which was rejected), and then advised that the next step was to appeal to a tribunal. We followed her guidance.

    It was the best decision we made. The tribunal not only agreed with us but also increased the period of backpay owed to my wife.

    We cannot thank Steve or Jane enough for their hard work, honesty, and the speed at which they helped us. We would highly recommend them and the Paladin Group.

    Ian & Lyndsey

    Ian & Lyndsey

  • “Jane was Amazing! I am due to get my first benefits payment shortly. Completing the forms with Jane’s help was much better than trying to do alone as she is so on the ball and just made the whole process much easier and less stressful”

    LM

    Paladin Client

  • “Steve Farnfield is a great financial adviser in the world of Court of Protection investments. Not only is he a safe pair of hands technically speaking, he take the time to understand their needs, and demonstrates a genuine empathy towards those he is helping. He comes highly recommended.”

    Testimonial about Stephen Farnfield

    COP Partner at Large law firm

  • “I have worked with Steve for a number of years. I have found him approachable and quick to respond, with a wide range of knowledge which is always made readily available. He is able to connect with Deputyship and Trust clients and tailor his approach to their level of understanding, which means that they can be confident in his abilities and their security. I have found Steve easy to work with and he is always responsive and able to discuss and resolve any queries that arise, often ensuring he goes above and beyond to make sure the interests of vulnerable people are protected.”

    Testimonial about Stephen Farnfield

    COP Partner at Large law firm

  • “I have worked with Steve for over 10 years. He is approachable, knowledgeable and inspires confidence, especially in family members of those lacking capacity concerned about ensuring funds can last for their loved one’s needs for life. Whilst good advice should be a ‘given’ from any professional, the personable way he engages with people and puts them at ease, and his willingness to discuss matters of interest and importance to the client makes them feel at ease and provides great support and insight as a professional deputy.”

    Testimonial about Stephen Farnfield

    Partner of law firm

  • When we were awarded a substantial compensation payment, our first action was to find a financial advisor to help make some big decisions. It wasn’t difficult to find well qualified and eager advisors. Stephen Farnfield had an extra quality however. He seemed to understand what this money meant to us as a family.

    Stephen is an excellent communicator. He knows his business and we trust his judgement. I have no hesitation in recommending Stephen Farnfield and Paladin.

    RM, September 2023

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