Sandra’s story
My name is Sandra and I live in Supported Housing for adults with a learning difficulty in Attleborough. I was lucky to find a home with three friends that I have known for many years.
About three years ago, my sister decided that she wanted to be my Deputy, appointed by the Court, to manage my money. I didn’t want this because since living in Attleborough, I had learnt to look after my own money and bank account.
I told my Carer [House Leader] that I didn’t want my sister to take control of my money and she helped me to fill in a form for the Court of Protection to tell them this.
My sister would not listen so my Carer helped me to get a solicitor.
I told my solicitor what I wanted and why I felt I didn’t need my sister to look after my money. I told her about the work I do at Onward Enterprises [day services] where I help in the office with the wages, filing, answering the phone and taking messages, as well as working in the Factory.
I told her that I had learnt many things, even how to use my debit card on my own. All the things I didn’t do when I lived at home with family.
I had to go to a meeting with both my sisters and their solicitor and my House Leader and Service Manger came with me. At the meeting, I told my sisters that I wanted to look after my own money. Even after all this, my sister still tried to be my Deputy.
My solicitor helped me to find someone to be my Counsel, as the case went to Court. I met with my Counsel and told her what I wanted. I went to Court twice and had many meetings with my solicitor. I asked my Carer to come with me and she supported me at all of them, as well as going to Court.
At the last Court meeting, I got to speak to the Judge without my sisters being present. I told the Judge what I wanted, and I answered questions about where I live and what I do. The Judge agreed with me and said it was not in my “Best Interest” to have my sister as my Deputy as I appeared to be doing very well by myself.
I was very happy that I won. I feel very proud for being brave enough to stand up for myself.
