Nicola Hayes – Court of Protection Lead, Vincents Solicitors

Nicola qualified as a Solicitor in 2002 and has over 20 years’ experience working in private client matters and civil litigation, bringing a meticulous and innovative approach to every case. Her early career included experience in Family, Probate, and Personal Injury law, including defending fraudulent insurance claims and bringing sex abuse class actions.

In 2007, Nicola qualified to practise in Australia and joined an international law firm with offices across Australia and New Zealand. After starting a family, she returned to the UK to be closer to friends and family.

Nicola is now an Associate of the firm and the Court of Protection Lead at Vincents Solicitors’ Garstang office, where she provides expert guidance for vulnerable adults and their families. She works collaboratively with clients, colleagues, and third parties to ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of those she represents, combining integrity and excellence in her practice.

Her areas of expertise include:

• Deputyship and Court of Protection applications, ensuring fair and lawful management of finances and welfare
• Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) – health, welfare, and financial, drafted and registered with careful attention to detail
• Statutory Wills, protecting clients’ wishes when they cannot make their own decisions
• Personal Injury Trusts, providing structured financial protection for vulnerable individuals
• CHC funding disputes and other care funding challenges
• Attorney and Deputy disputes, acting decisively to resolve conflicts
• Challenging deliberate deprivation of assets, safeguarding clients’ property and entitlements
• Preparation and submission of deputy reports, delivered with clarity and precision

Nicola is committed to achieving outcomes that respect and protect the interests of her clients.