Michelle is a Chartered Legal Executive. Her career has been dedicated to supporting people with disabilities to manage their finances and live worry free.
Michelle Cruddas is a chartered legal executive with over 20 years of experience. She specialises in Court of Protection property and financial matters for vulnerable and disabled individuals. Michelle is recognised for her expertise in navigating complex financial and legal matters with clarity, care, and professionalism.
Michelle advises clients on:
Michelle also advises lay deputies on their roles and handles most lay deputy applications, providing ad hoc advice as needed.
Michelle is an Accredited Lifetime Lawyer, a national association of legal professionals with expertise and training working with older and vulnerable people. She is also a Dementia Friend committed to supporting those living with dementia and their families.
Michelle is known for her empathetic and approachable manner, which helps clients and their families feel at ease during what are often difficult times. She is committed to securing the best possible outcomes for the individuals she represents through pragmatic advice and a focus on what matters most to them. Michelle works with clients using plain English and is always happy to answer questions and explain things so her clients are confident in the actions being taken.
Working with Michelle means you have a trusted Court of Protection specialist by your side, ensuring your finances and legal matters are managed with care, leaving you free to focus on living life with confidence and peace of mind.
Michelle regularly supports vulnerable individuals, their families and professionals including:
Michelle works with clients across a wide range of financial situations, including high-net-worth individuals with complex needs such as property purchases and adaptations.
With decades of experience, Michelle provides clear and strategic advice tailored to each client’s circumstances. With a background working in-house in financial services, advising on trusts and tax, she then transitioned into private practice, advising on wills, probate, lasting powers of attorney, and broader Court of Protection matters. Over the years, Michelle has also established a trusted network of independent financial advisors, case managers, and other professionals.
This combination of experience and professional connections allows Michelle to give clients meticulous, holistic advice that supports every aspect of their needs. Her focus is on giving clients and their families peace of mind, enabling them to enjoy life without worry.
"Michelle and I have worked together on client matters for nearly 20 years; always in a collaborative and convivial fashion. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Michelle or her colleagues to anyone seeking personable and professional legal advice."
A DoddsChartered Financial Planner
HMRC has been reminding families to check whether they have money waiting in a Child Trust Fund. It is estimated that more than 750,000 Child Trust Funds have matured without being claimed, with an average value of over £2,200. For many young people, that could make a meaningful difference.
Families who support a vulnerable person often want the same things: security, dignity and the best quality of life possible. When a person lacks mental capacity, managing money can become more complex. Without the right arrangements in place, there is a risk that they may not receive the benefits they are entitled to, or that their funds may not be used in the best way to support their needs.
The Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments that could change the legal test for when a vulnerable person is considered to be deprived of their liberty. This revisits the well-known Cheshire West judgment, which has shaped how care arrangements are authorised for people who lack mental capacity.