Christina Dartnell

Christina has over 35 years of experience in Court of Protection work and wide ranging experience in administering the finances of those who are incapacitated due to an acquired brain injury, birth trauma, mental health problems, learning difficulties or dementia.

Prior to joining Thomson Snell & Passmore in 2007, Christina was a Lord Chancellor’s Visitor, a role she held for some 12 years. This involved reporting to the Court of Protection on the circumstances and welfare of their clients and investigating and reporting on specific issues at the Court’s direction, and advising and guiding Deputies in their duties.

Since joining Thomson Snell & Passmore Christina has been fundamental in developing many of the systems and practices that have assisted the team in gaining the reputation that it now has.

Advising on and preparing a wide range of deputyship and other applications to the Court of Protection
Managing cases where there are complex care regimes
Managing cases where there are large damages awards, high value assets, multiple property ownership, business interests etc
Managing cases where the assets are in this country but the client is resident overseas
Managing cases where the client has assets overseas
Making Statutory Will applications to the Court of Protection in cases where partners here act as deputy and also for lay deputies
Drafting expert witness statements dealing with Court of Protection and deputyship costs.

Client involved in a road accident as a child

At the time of his damages award the client, who had been involved in a road accident as a child, was under section in a secure unit.

His award has been used to purchase and adapt a property where he now lives independently with support from a small, but dedicated, team of support workers. The client is supported to engage in the community and socialise.

Damages award for birth trauma

At the time of her damages award for a birth trauma the client, was living with her parents, a flat was purchased using funds from her award and with support the client was able to live independently. The client then met the man who would later become her husband, a cohabitation agreement was put in place and subsequently when they married a prenuptial agreement was arranged. The couple then moved from the flat into a house which was renovated to meet the client’s needs. They live happily and independently, with support from their support workers.

Client involved in a road accident as a child and left blind as a result

The client, who had been involved in a road accident as a child and is blind as a result lived with his elderly mother, when she became unwell and later died, the client chose to remain in residential care where he had been staying temporarily. Direct Payments have been used to support the client to go out twice a week and take part in activities such as swimming and crafts. Funds have been used to enhance the client’s sensory environment and his first holiday in many years is now being planned.

Senior Paralegal, Court of Protection

Specialisms & expertise

Examples of work

Client involved in a road accident as a child

Damages award for birth trauma

Client involved in a road accident as a child and left blind as a result