We recognise that family members can find themselves in an exceptionally difficult position. Sometimes they find themselves having to fight to get care and support on behalf of a family member who isn’t able or willing to fight for it themselves. Other times, they find themselves caught in the middle of a disagreement between a patient and their care team.
We know how challenging it can be to get the services you think they need. We also know how difficult it is to tread that delicate line. On the one hand, you want to get the right level of care and support for your loved one. On the other, you don’t want to go against their wishes.
We can help by providing clear, practical - and above all else, sensitive - advice on what you can do.
We can help. Contact us today
Our services.
At Butler & Co Solicitors, we are a progressive firm with lots of experience advising the parents, children, and siblings of patients. Some particular areas we can advise on are:
Legal advice for family members
The rights and powers of a nearest relative.
We can advise on whether you would be regarded as the patient’s ‘nearest relative’ for the purposes of the Mental Health Act 1983. If you are the nearest relative, we can provide comprehensive advice on your rights and responsibilities in this role.
Legal advice for family members
Discharging a relative from hospital.
If you are a detained patient’s nearest relative, we can advise on what steps you can take to discharge the patient.
Legal advice for family members
Admitting a family member to hospital.
Where you have a family member who you thinks needs urgent admission to hospital for psychiatric treatment, we can advise on the appropriate steps to take.