Since the 26th of April 2023 it is no longer possible to make an individual a Ward of Court instead the relevant person will be assisted through utilizing the new Assisted Decision-Making regime. See our information on Assisted Decision Making.
However, there are some 2000 (approx.) Wards in Ireland who must now be discharged from Wardship in the next 3 years. We deal with applications for discharge from the current Wards of Court regime. All Applications are brought to the High Court, Wards of Court List. We are currently processing applications on behalf of all our own Ward of Court clients.
The administrative transfer of adult Wards of Court to the newly established Decision Support Service (DSS) is the biggest fundamental change to the regime in the history of the State and will see Wards funds no longer being held in Court but paid out to the respective Wards and their families or failing that to a Decision-Making Representative (DMR) for the Estate. For instances where there is no one suitable to act as a DMR for the relevant person, the Court can appoint a DMR from their panel. Where substantial monies are held in Court, a proposal must be developed as regards the management of these funds going forward to ensure these monies will be managed correctly for the Wards benefit.
We have Cathal Lawlor on-site a Chartered Tax Chartered Tax Advisor and Estate Planner and can assist clients in that regard.