Cate Searle is an experienced community care solicitor with a
background in health & social care work and a degree in Developmental
Psychology.
Cate has many years’ experience of representing clients who have
disabilities, mental health problems or caring responsibilities across a range
of legal issues.
Since co-founding her own law firm with Fiona Martin in 2004, Cate has
built upon her expertise in community care law and is regarded nationally as an
expert in such matters. Cate leads a community care team of seven people who in
addition to undertaking case work for clients and their families.
Cate and her team also offer case work support to professional Deputies and
Attorneys, private client solicitors and personal injury solicitors.
In October 2016, Martin Searle Solicitors’ won the Law Society Excellence
Award for Excellence in Business Development for their Service for Professional Deputies.
Cate’s specialisms include:
·
The Care Act 2014;
·
Court of Protection litigation on
Health & Welfare and Property & Finance;
·
Funding disputes with Social Services
(including financial assessments and deprivation of capital);
·
Planning and paying for care;
·
Mental capacity law, including Lasting
Powers of Attorney and best interest decisions;
·
Safeguarding adults at risk;
·
Cate and her team are known for their
expertise in the field of NHS Continuing Healthcare funding cases.