CHILD TRUST FUND
COURT OF PROTECTION
APPLICATION SUPPORT
Child Trust Funds: Empowering Your Child's Financial Future
Welcome to our Child Trust Funds information page. Here, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Child Trust Funds (CTFs), the challenges associated with them, and how Qualia Law is here to support you through the application process.
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You'll discover a brief video introducing our CTF service, along with explanations about them, The Court of Protection, and how we can help. You'll also find a set of frequently asked questions regarding CTF, a downloadable library containing a comprehensive guide on submitting your application, and a form to send us your questions. If you'd prefer to speak to someone, you can always call our team to discuss your applications. However, completing the online submission form at the bottom of this page will provide us with essential information to discuss your case and reach out to you at a suitable time.
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What are Child Trust Funds?
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Child Trust Funds are tax-free savings accounts specially designed for children born between September 1, 2002, and January 2, 2011. These funds offer parents and individuals over 16 an opportunity to invest in their child's financial future by contributing up to £9,000 annually. The funds belong to the child, and they can access them when they turn 18, with control transferring at 16. The income and profits generated within CTFs are tax-free, making them a powerful tool for securing your child's financial stability.
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The Challenge with Child Trust Funds
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Whilst Child Trust Funds hold great potential, a significant challenge arises when a child lacks the mental capacity to manage their own financial affairs. Accessing the funds on their behalf requires a complex and often costly legal process, involving the Court of Protection. Families often face hurdles in completing this process, leading to unclaimed funds and missed opportunities.
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Qualia Law's Commitment to Your Family
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We understand the importance of accessing your child's funds when it matters the most. Qualia Law CIC is proud to announce that we have been granted funding to support families like yours in completing Child Trust Fund applications. Our mission is to simplify, expedite, and guide you through the application process.
How Qualia Law Can Help
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We provide families with free, expert assistance in navigating the Court of Protection application process. Our dedicated team is committed to guiding you through each step, from understanding the necessary forms to gathering required documentation. Our goal is to ensure that your family can access the funds your child rightfully deserves, without the burden of complex procedures.
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Why Choose Qualia Law CIC?
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Expertise: All advice and guidance is provided by expert Solicitors, bringing a wealth of experience in handling complex legal matters, ensuring that your application is in safe hands.
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Compassion: We understand the challenges families face, and our person-centred approach ensures that your needs are at the heart of our service.
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Free Assistance: Thanks to grant funding from the National Lottery's Community Fund, our Child Trust Fund application support is entirely free of charge.
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Get Started Today
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Don't let the complexities of the application process or financial barriers stand in the way of your child's financial security. Contact us today on 0333 305 3057 or info@qualia-law.org to learn more about how Qualia Law can support your family through the Child Trust Fund application process.
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Empower your child's financial future with Qualia Law CIC by your side.
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CHILD TRUST FUND FAQ
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What is a Child Trust Fund (CTF)?A Child Trust Fund is a tax-free savings account designed for children born between September 1, 2002, and January 2, 2011. It allows parents or individuals over 16 years old to save money for their child's future.
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What happens if my child lacks the mental capacity to manage their own affairs?If your child lacks the mental capacity to manage their own affairs, accessing their Child Trust Fund savings can be challenging. Legal authority must be obtained to access the funds on their behalf.
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What is the Court of Protection?The Court of Protection is a specialized court in the UK that makes decisions on financial, and welfare matters for individuals who lack the mental capacity to make these decisions themselves.
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How can I apply for access to my child's Child Trust Fund if they lack capacity?To apply for access, you need to submit an application to the Court of Protection. The application process involves completing forms and providing supporting documentation to prove the need for access.
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Is the application process complex and expensive?Yes, the application process can be complex and costly. It requires filling out lengthy forms and gathering medical documentation. However, there are organizations and initiatives, such as Qualia Law CIC, that provide support and free application assistance to simplify the process.
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What support options are available for completing Child Trust Fund applications?We offer various support options to assist you in completing your Child Trust Fund application. These options include: Self-guided Support: We provide comprehensive guidance materials, including step-by-step instructions and resources, to help you complete the application independently. Assisted Support: Our team is available to provide personalized assistance and guidance as you navigate the application process. We can answer your questions and provide clarifications to ensure a smooth application experience.
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How can I access the support options for Child Trust Fund applications?To access our support options, please visit our website at www.qualia-law.org/child-trust-fund-applications. You will find detailed information about each support option and instructions on how to get started.
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Is there a cost associated with the support options?We understand the financial challenges families may face, which is why our support options are provided free of charge. Our goal is to assist you in accessing your child's funds without adding any additional financial burden.
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How long does the application process typically take?The duration of the application process can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the court's workload. However, our support options aim to expedite the process and minimize delays as much as possible.
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Where can I find additional information about Child Trust Funds and the application process?For more detailed information about Child Trust Funds and the application process for individuals without capacity, please visit our self help guide available to download below. You can also contact our dedicated support team using the contact form below for any specific queries or concerns.
CHILD TRUST FUND DOWNLOADABLE APPLICATION FORMS
Here you can find the downloadable forms needed to submit a Deputyship application to the Court of Protection. We would recommend that you contact us for tailored advice before proceeding with the application.
Please note there are some additional forms which are not included in the list because they are not, in most cases, necessary. However, as part of our free advice service, we can discuss your individual circumstances to determine whether these additional forms are required.
NB: In addition to applying to become deputy, it is also possible to apply for a 'one-off' order to access your child's trust fund. The forms below relate to a standard deputy application, but we can advise you how to adjust your application to request a 'one-off' order.
Before deciding to become a deputy, it's important to thoroughly read this document. It lays out the responsibilities and tasks you'll need to fulfil in your role as a deputy.
Please note that it is possible to make an application for a 'one-off' order to access a child's trust fund. Alternatively, an application may be made in future to end the deputyship if it is no longer required (such as if the funds have been spent and the only income received is welfare benefits - in which case a DWP appointeeship may suffice).
This form must be completed in as much detail as possible and include all assets, liabilities, expenditure and income. If insufficient information is included in this form, the Court may make an interim order to allow you to investigate and obtain further information (this will significantly delay your application).
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This signed form will need to be uploaded to the Court during the online application.
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This form is the capacity assessment that a medical professional must complete. It verifies that the individual you're seeking to become a Deputy for lacks the ability to make their own decisions. This can be completed by your child's GP, or another suitably qualified professional.
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This signed form will need to be uploaded to the Court during the online application.
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The document includes a template letter intended for GPs requesting a capacity assessment. It provides an explanation for the request and the reasons behind it. Additionally, the letter kindly asks for their assistance in conducting the assessment without any associated fees.
This document serves as guidance for GPs, assisting them in completing their capacity assessment effectively.
Contained within this document is the Deputy declaration, which is intended to be filled out by the proposed Deputy (the applicant). It is very important that the proposed Deputy reads through the various legal undertakings before signing to agree each one.
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This signed form will need to be uploaded to the Court during the online application.
It is necessary to personally notify the protected party (the person who lacks capacity) provide them with a COP14 notice. This notice emphasises the implications of deputyship for them and directs them to sources of guidance.
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The personal notification can be carried out by the applicant (the proposed deputy), who must then complete the COP14 form to confirm the date notification took place and the steps taken to explain the application to the protected party.
The applicant must identify at least three individuals who should be notified of the application. This will often be close relatives of the protected party, but may also be professionals involved in their care, such as a GP or social worker.
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The interested parties must all be notified of the application using a COP15 form, and must also be sent a COP5 form (which they can complete if they object to the application).
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If the interested parties consent to the application, they do not need to reply or return the forms. The applicant must wait at least two weeks from the date of notification of the protected party and interested parties before submitting the application online.
This blank COP5 form must be sent to the interested parties (at least three) to give them the opportunity to consent or object. If the interested party consents to the application, they do not need to complete or return a form.
Ordinarily, there is a Court fee (currently £371) payable direct to HMCTS when making the Court of Protection application. However, the Court has indicated that it will waive this court fee for applications made to access a Child Trust Fund.
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Thus far, the Court has not provided clarity on whether the attached COP44A form is also required in order to exempt the application from the £371 fee. Accordingly, we recommend that the form should be completed with the financial details of the protected party (i.e. the owner of the Child Trust Fund).
CONTACT US or MAKE A REFERRAL
Qualia Law CIC
15 Neptune Court
Vanguard Way
Cardiff
CF24 5PJ
Qualia Law CIC
Office One,
1 Coldbath Square
London
EC1R 5HL
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