Miss Nicholson, Tyne & Wear – February 2025
I contacted Andy at Professional Deputies through a recommendation and he did not disappoint. He contacted me that evening i reached out to him via text. My working hours impacted my availability and he was aware how anxious i was about the process and did not delay me getting the advice and support I needed from the offset. He talked me through the process and outlined what my various options were; many not including appointing him, which spoke volumes that he did not just want to snap my hand off for custom, but rather, he was concerned about making sure he offered the best advice possible, for me as an individual and my circumstances and thus to allow me to make an informed choice. I went away to act upon his initial free advice which was not just a quick 10 minute conversation, but rather the history behind me, my grandmother and how I had reached the point i had got to. I believe I was heard, and had I chose the typical legal route I would have been treat as just another customer. Getting nowhere with the family member concerned from following Andy’s initial free advice. I then reconnected with Andy to seek next steps. Again he outlined further the different options though I decided to proceed in appointing Professional Deputies to support me through my initial COP application for my Grandmothers Deputyship. I had in my initial discussions already made Andy aware that another family member had already “applied” and that he had not notified me formally, though I had found out third hand from my Grandmothers Social Worker. As a consequence I did not particularly want to inform the family member concerned of my application; however, Andy stressed the importance of the need to notify existing family members, unless I could reasonably conclude they were not part of my grandmothers life. Despite the fact that I genuinely do not believe the family member concerned is a part of my Grandmothers life (exception occasions like birthdays and Christmas) I did opt to notify them and follow Andy’s guidance. I knew full well this would lead to an objection on the COP15Adep, but I had ultimate trust in Andy following the correct process and his strong knowledge of the court of protection. The hearing was likely to be a contested DRH and Andy made that clear from the offset and the financial implications that was likely to follow. He outlined the good, bad and ugly. He did not paint a pretty picture to gain my custom; further reinforcing the genuine person I was dealing with and putting myself in his hands. What’s more, I do have a conviction, which I was dubious of impacting my application, albeit it was spent under the ROA it was a serious conviction. Andy provided reassurance, though he made it clear that it was his opinion and acknowledged that it was a serious offence, though only the judge on the day would determine an overall opinion on this and he could not guarantee anything. I appreciated his honesty, however, I also appreciated the fact that he could see the “ground work” I was doing in my grandmothers daily care, for her property and in her best interests.. far outweighed the conviction in question and spoke volumes; but again, he reinforced it was for a judge to have the same perception and there was no guarantee of that. He prepared all my paperwork, punctually and provided advice throughout, including reaching out to his wider network on experiences of contested hearings and convictions to give me some further reassurance as I was extremely anxious and honestly could not afford to pursue the route, the time involved, or the stress of it. That said, my primary goal was to act in my grandmothers best interests and i believe without Andy going above and beyond I may have given up on the process. His support was second to none. Once I received the DRH order he did continue to offer support, including recommending a Barrister and offering direction but not legal representation. His support was priceless, he went above and beyond his contractual obligations and I cannot thank him enough. I proceeded again, to go with his advice and appointed the Barrister he recommended. I will not go into details regarding the barrister, though, I will add, she was fantastic! I had my DRH last week. The outcome was that I was appointed, not the other family member. I cried with relief; people come out of the wood when money is concerned, and that’s a sad comment to make, though true. If you are seeking support in a COP deputyship application, you are, in the right hands, Andy knows the process, he’s performed the role as a Deputy and he is passionate about providing an excellent level of service. Don’t hesitate to get in touch, even if it’s just to seek some initial advice, he thinks about you and your case, not him and his business.

Mr Caws, Derbyshire – December 2024
A brief note to congratulate you and your team for winning the Probate Industry Awards for 2024. It certainly bears out the service you have given Sarah over the past few years. I hope you won’t mind but I have copied this email to Sarah’s Social Worker and manager responsible for her as I know finding a financial deputy who will actually perform for the folk they look after can be a real challenge. Best regards for 2025.

Mr Austin, Sheffield – August 2024
I am duly grateful to Andy Riddle and Professional Deputies Limited, in gaining the Deputyship for my Mother. Because of my Mother’s illness to Dementia, and residing in a Care Home, with nothing in writing regarding gifting her property (her only asset), we had to apply for Deputyship, in order to pay for my Mother’s Care Home fees. The process of gaining the Court Order from the Court of Protection was very daunting, and protracted. With the professional help, expertise and guidance from Andy Riddle, we managed to navigate our way through this very complex process. I can only say a very big thank you to Andy Riddle, and I would highly recommend his services to anyone that finds themselves in the unfortunate situation that I was in.

Mr Witherstone, London – April 2024
Working with Andy Riddle at Professional Deputies was invaluable for my family and I during a complex and challenging time. The deputyship application process is daunting and complex, but Andy’s expertise and guidance made it manageable. Despite the unexpected passing of my father (who was the initial Applicant) during the application process, Andy’s professionalism and support remained steadfast. He not only helped us navigate the intricate application process but also provided invaluable advice on managing my mother’s property affairs and the next steps after securing the final order. I highly recommend Andy Riddle and Professional Deputies to anyone facing similar challenges.

Mr & Mrs Everett, Hampshire – January 2024
We couldn’t be more grateful to you Andy for your support in firstly setting up an emergency deputyship. You stepped in to help us in our hour of need when we encountered a huge problem! We couldn’t sign a mortgage consent deed form on our disabled daughter’s behalf, without an emergency deputyship in place, and although Andy was overcommitted at the time he was determined to help us. The emergency deputyship was put in place as quickly as possible, enabling us to purchase the bungalow we wanted to purchase to improve all our lives, but particularly that of my disabled daughter. Thank you for then also helping us to set up a Health & Welfare Deputyship and Property & Financial Affairs Deputyship for our daughter, with Rett Syndrome. The whole process was so completely and utterly daunting, but Andy made it as straightforward as possible, and I have no hesitation in recommending Andy to help you safeguard your precious family member.

Mrs Morgan, York – June 2023
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the help and guidance you gave me when completing paperwork for the deputyship for health and welfare for my daughter. All papers connected to the Court of Protection can become overwhelming, but I felt I was able to contact you for advice and understanding. So thankyou Andy for our success in gaining deputyship for health and welfare, this will make a big difference while our daughter is in supported living. 

Mrs Welsh, Oxfordshire – February 2023
I really appreciate how patient you have been with the delays in getting paperwork to you. It’s not been easy but you were always polite and informative, allowing me time to make the correct decision in order to assist my mum, since she has lost mental capacity due to dementia. I expected the process to take a long time, maybe up to a year but it has come through in 3 months, thank you so much. I will definitely be recommending your services to others who are in a similar situation regarding a loved one who has lost mental capacity, to make their own decisions.

Mrs Partridge, Gloucestershire – October 2022
Exploring Deputyship for a loved one – in this case a daughter and much loved sister – is very daunting. The process seemed complicated and the need to get the paperwork correct caused a lot of anxiety. A potential lifeline however was thrown to us via Rett Syndrome Association UK when we were introduced to Andy Riddle at Professional Deputies. Not only did he guide us through what the process entailed, he then got all the relevant paperwork together and then followed the process through the courts to the point when the formal Order was finally awarded in the Court of Protection. The journey was somewhat delayed because of Covid but Andy and his team kept us updated on progress. I know that without their help we would have struggled – or potentially even given up! – but getting this Order in place will be so important in who, how, why and when any future decisions about the care of our loved one will be taken. Our thanks to Andy and his team and I would have no hesitation in recommending Professional Deputies to anyone exploring Deputyship.

Mrs Harris, Leicester – April 2022
Professional Deputies have made the process of applying for deputyship stress free and Andrew has been efficient and professional providing us with great advice and a wonderful service throughout. Providing much needed protection for our family member now and in the future. I highly recommend them.

Mrs Truss, Bristol – March 2022
I am happy to pass on to others that Professional Deputies took the strain out of applying to the Court of Protection for our daughter. At the start of Covid in March 2020, we found ourselves in the difficult position that should anything happen to our Rett syndrome daughter and she was not able to make a decision for herself there was no one who could legally do that for her. I had heard about Andy Riddle and Professional Deputies through another parent and contacted him straight away. He gave us advice and made the process as easy as possible. He even gave us a template to work to when writing our application. The application went in fairly quickly, but the courts were held up because of Covid, so we eventually got the documents in March 2022. During that long time Andy kept us informed of progress through the court. Professional Deputies found out that our application had been successful in Autumn 2021 but our documents were held up by court procedures. Andy pushed the court to find out where our documents were and eventually got them to us. I was very pleased that I had used Professional Deputies as I don’t feel that I could have got through the court bureaucracy without them.

Mr & Mrs Pullen, Northumberland – July 2021
The entire process from start to finish was stress free , thorough and very professional. Andy was always available to answer any queries as he guided us through. We would have no hesitation in recommending Professional Deputies and Andy Riddle and we would certainly use them again.

Mr Wild, Sheffield – April 2021
I am writing to say a personal thank you for the work you have undertaken preparing the Court of Protection application relating to my wife. It has been a complicated, long drawn out and often frustrating process due to the unusual nature of her condition. However, you have dealt with this in a very professional and sensitive manner, being readily accessible to provide advice when needed. Professional Deputies have provided an excellent service at a much lower cost than the more impersonal firms of lawyers I contacted for quotes. So I would have no hesitation in recommending your services to anyone who finds themselves in the unfortunate position experienced by my family and I. Thanks once again for your help.

Mr Cryer, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne – March 2021
I would like to express my thanks to you and your team for everything you have done for my wife and myself. Unless someone has been through the trauma of coping with Alzheimer’s/Dementia first hand, they cannot appreciate how vital your service can be to them. I would not hesitate to recommend your company to anyone in the same position or circumstances as myself.

Mrs Homer, West Midlands – October 2020
I cannot praise Professional Deputies enough, the service provided throughout the application process has been second to none. I have been kept informed every step of the way and any queries I have had have been dealt with swiftly and courteously by the team. Special thanks to Andy Riddle without whom I would have struggled to get this application for deputyship completed. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone looking to apply for a Deputyship Order.

Miss Carter, Leeds – September 2020
I am writing to thank you for your help in the long winded matter of being granted deputyship for my Aunt. Your insight and ability to answer questions (even sometimes silly ones) has meant a lot of stress has been alleviated, as I’m sure trying to do something like this myself would have meant me being bored or eventually giving up. The situation with the pandemic this year certainly did play a part in the length of time taken, and I know this wouldn’t have been the case in normal circumstances! Your experience is invaluable and I will most definitely be coming back to you should I need a health and welfare deputyship. I will recommend your services to anyone I may come across requiring your knowledge.

Chris Dingley, Director Co Op Estate Planning – August 2019
Hi Andy, I just wanted to let you know that I get solid feedback from our Estate Planning Consultants based around England & Wales. I understand a number have spoken to families they have referred and only had praise. What’s clear is that these families felt that in times that were tough for them as a family your company was generally thought of as a trusted partner. The fees you charge are realistic and ensure those we have passed on to you have never complained about the cost.
I hope this feedback helps you to pass on good words to your team and continue to provide a first class service.
Best wishes
Chris

Mr Foster, London – April 2019
Thank you Mr Andy and your staff for the work you have done for Mr & Mrs Foster. It was kindly appreciated. Looking forward to working with you and staff in the near future. Have a blessed day. From Yours Truly – Mr Foster.

Partner, Law Firm – April 2019
My firm acts for many vulnerable clients some of whom lack mental capacity to conduct their claims. Where clients are awarded damages but lack mental capacity to manage the money we often refer them/their Litigation Friend to Andy Riddle of Professional Deputies to apply for deputyship and thereafter to act as deputy. I have found Mr Riddle to be extremely competent in making applications for deputyship. He is very responsive to initial inquiries and very helpful in explaining procedures and timeframes and dealing with queries. He is very prompt at gathering the necessary information and deals efficiently, effectively and promptly with the Court of Protection so that an order is obtained as soon as possible. I referred one particularly vulnerable man to Mr Riddle in 2017 who was particularly challenging to work with due to his mental illness, alcoholism and chaotic lifestyle. I found Mr Riddle to be effective and patient in dealing with this client.

Mrs Wake, Perth (Australia) – April 2019
Mr Andy Riddle of Professional Deputies has been responsible for my mother’s financial affairs since June 2015 in the United Kingdom. I have always found Mr Riddle to be accessible to any enquiries and prompt in his responses, and I have had no concerns regarding his management of my mother’s financial matters.

Mr Stewart, London – March 2019
Thanks so much. I was really happy with your service – 95%.

Social Worker, Local Authority – January 2019
I have worked with Andy Riddle, and colleagues for a number of years and there are a number of reasons that I will continue to do so. I feel that there is an honest and just basis regarding the morals of the company. An example of this is a recent matter of possible financial injustice that has been swiftly and respectfully dealt with. There have been times that very delicate matters such as: matrimonial disputes, tenancy and land disputes, have all been handled swiftly and professionally.

Social Worker, NHS Foundation Trust – January 2019
Thank you for your help and support in helping my client to achieve his full potential. Your company is prompt in services offered to people and response to queries is excellent. I have found your services very helpful and I will highly recommend your company to other professionals on my team.

Mr Trevis, Nottingham – January 2019
In 2016, Professional Deputies arranged for the handling of our brothers’ affairs. This was done promptly and efficiently, and we were kept informed. Mr. Riddle has been always helpful in answering any questions clearly and promptly, and providing account summaries. We are satisfied with the service
and would recommend it.

Residential Care Manager, Fulfilled Living – January 2019
Andy and his team at Professional Deputies have been supporting our service users to manage their financial affairs for some time now. This has been done in a number of different circumstances. The service they provide is excellent, the communication is first class and the decision making is always person centred and very thought through.

Mrs Jenner, East Sussex – December 2018
We were delighted with how straight forward the whole process was with clear information and support from Andy throughout. I has visions of it being a long battle but Andy gave good advice and responded promptly to questions. I would happily recommend Andy to other families.

Miss Saddler, London – June 2018
I would highly recommend Professional Deputies. Excellent customer service from Mr Andy Riddle from the beginning. He was extremely helpful, supportive, sympathetic and patient. He gave very good advice and kept me up to date and well informed on all matters by texts, phone calls and letters. I am thankful and grateful to Andy Riddle for all his hard work.

Mr Graham, Kent – May 2018
I engaged the services of Professional Deputies from a referral from a third party. We were looking to change our court order to allow the facilitation of the sale of my father’s property. Throughout the whole process, Andy was helpful in terms of completing the necessary paperwork and diligent in chasing the courts. He kept me posted throughout the whole process and made the process as simple as possible. I would happily recommend the firm to anyone in a similar position we found ourselves in.

Mrs Nurudeen, Service Manager: Advance Housing & Support – July 2017
Our client has been receiving the service of Professional Deputies for years. They are reliable, and consistent, we receive prompt responses and great services from them on behalf of our customer. They are highly recommended.

Mr McCombs, Community Psychiatric Nurse: Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust – July 2017
Can I take this opportunity to thank Professional Deputies for the service you provide and the courtesy and promptness with which it is offered. I will have no hesitation in recommending your service to any clients who will benefit from your help with financial matters.

Mr Mehta, Middlesex – June 2017
We thank you for your professional advice and following the matter to completion. We are very happy with your services and would happily recommend you for such legal matters.

Mr Wells, Crawley – March 2017
Thank you for all your help in getting the certificate of Court of Protection for my wife. The service I received was very helpful, and I was kept in touch with all the procedures from start to finish. Thank you all again.

Mr Adams, Wiltshire – October 2016
I would like to state that the works carried out by Professional Deputies has been first class. They have provided an efficient service, answered all our queries promptly and had our son’s case completed with the Courts in excellent time.

Mr Singh, Middlesex – August 2016
“I would like to thank you for the quick and efficient service offered”

Mr & Mrs Martin, Leicester – March 2016
We can’t thank Andy Riddle enough for guiding us through what was a complex and emotional situation for us. He handled it with care and sensitivity, nothing was too much trouble. We can’t recommend Professional Deputies enough and especially Andy. Thank you again for all your hard work.

Miss Samuels, London – February 2016
Thank you very much Andy Riddle for a very fast and professional service. It was always easy to get hold of Andy and he always got back to me promptly whenever I left a message. Andy was extremely patient and took the worry out of applying for a deputyship. I would definitely recommend Professional Deputies to friends, family and colleagues.

Mrs Thompson, Liverpool – January 2016
We found Andy Riddle to be very helpful, easily contactable (via text or phone) and was always able to answer our queries.

Mr Slater, West Sussex – August 2015
Apologies for the delay in acknowledging the receipt of the court orders. I was taken by surprise by the speed that they have been obtained. Thank you for processing the whole procedure and for your offer to help with any queries I might have in the future. Needless to say, I will be very pleased to recommend Professional Deputies to anyone finding themselves in a similar situation.

Mr Lawson, Liverpool – August 2015
I wish to thank Andy Riddle of Professional Deputies for the excellent and professional way he handled my Court of Protection claim.

Mr Sharvell, London – December 2014
I can say I was fully satisfied with the service provided, clear explanations were given at each stage of the process, and the work was carried out efficiently and effectively.

Mrs Burn, Derbyshire – August 2014
I approached Professional Deputies to manage my application to the Court of Protection on behalf of my parents. I found Andy and his company’s approach very professional and efficient. At the outset he explained the process and then monitored the application through the Court of Protection sorting any problems on the way. He was able to give clear advice throughout and his knowledge of the process is extensive. Without the help of Professional Deputies the process would have been very difficult and it was a relief to have their support at a time of family crisis. I would have no hesitation in recommending professional deputies.

Mrs Stokes, Hertfordshire – May 2014
Thank you for your very efficient and helpful service. As a complete novice in these matters I found your guidance and advice a real godsend. Will definitely recommend your services to others in the future.

Mr & Mrs Simons, Middlesex – April 2014
“We were introduced to Professional Deputies to act on our behalf to secure Court of Protection to deal with the affairs of our son Michael. During the time Professional Deputies have been involved with this, we have found them to be both polite, helpful and communicative every step of the way and a pleasure to deal with. Although we have encountered some hurdles along the way causing delays to completion, this has in no way been their fault and we are grateful for the relatively easy route this has taken. We would have no hesitation in recommending Professional Deputies in future if we encounter anyone who may be in need of such services this company has to offer. With our thanks to Professional Deputies once again”.

Mr Amorelli, London – March 2014
Andy Riddle dealt with our application for Court of Protection for my mother who is coping with dementia. He dealt with us with great sensitivity. He was available to contact with ease and always replied promptly. He kept us up to date throughout the lengthy process and was always professional.

Mrs Kemp, London – January 2014
We would like to thank you for the excellent and prompt work that you carried out for my family and myself recently. Thank you for dealing with my son’s case efficiently as you recently had. Your time and effort put into our case overall, certainly proved your company to be well recommended and worthy re your good work. Your deputyship company was recommended to us and am very glad for this, as your assistance and time put into our case resulted in a successful outcome. So with our sincere appreciation we would not only come to your company in the future should the need arise, but would certainly recommend your company to all other people.

Phil Lewis – Assistant Operations Director
Dimensions (UK) Ltd
On the 15th December 2011 Andy Riddle, Director of Professional Deputies, was invited to Dimensions’ South West regional office in Bath to give a presentation to 4 of my managers on the topic of deputyships, appointeeships and general management of finances for adults with learning difficulties who have varying degrees of capability in this area.
This is a complex issue for managers who can sometimes be left feeling quite vulnerable when dealing with other people’s finances. Andy’s power point presentation was very professional and extremely useful as it cut through the jargon and got to the point succinctly and coherently. At the same time it was thorough and informative and I personally left the presentation feeling much better informed of the intricate issues involved. I now feel that I know what can be done, what can’t be done and where to go in the future should I require further information.
One of the managers present on the 15th December has told me that he found the presentation “very useful and should be taken to higher management for their consideration. Andy was impartial, full of good advice and didn’t ask for anything in return”.
Another manager said “I found it very helpful and informative. For most of the people I support in Bristol finances are an issue and I feel both managers and support staff should have more training. We need to know more about what options are available to people who struggle with managing their own finances so we can signpost them early on before they get into debt. I have already passed copies of the leaflet we were given (by Andy) to families and Social Workers who had no idea this facility was available”.
I would highly recommend Andy’s presentation on this topic to every organisation within the social care sector which has to deal with the finances of vulnerable people.

Paul Young – Head of Transformation & Modernisation
London Borough of Hounslow
Andy has a passion for what he does! He has shown a great level of ingenuity and creativity in delivering results within the parameters set by the scope for the project. He is very personable, easy to communicate with and has a great level of integrity and honesty. It was a pleasure to work with Andy, and I would have no hesitation working with him again. He is a credit to his profession.

Stuart Renshaw – Head of Business Development
London Borough of Southwark
We commissioned Andy at the London Borough of Southwark, as a consultant to implement a system that fulfilled the future regulations around the council’s handling of client’s money within Social Services. Andy was able to both work on his own and with other people with minimal supervision and if there were issues he would either come to myself the Head of Business Development and/or his supervisor a manager that reported directly to myself. While Andy likes to get on with the work, he does understand that things within a local council do not always go to plan and is very accommodating when issues outside his control arise. Andy is very professional and endeavors to provide the best job he possibly can.

Paul Nicholls – Owner
Nicholls Law
Andy, is very experienced in this field and is clearly passionate about what he does. With the scope for financial abuse so great against some of the most vulnerable in society, we need people like Andy to open our eyes and give us the help we need to irradiate the potential for abuse. I can highly recommend that you talk to Andy about managing the property and financial affairs of vulnerable adults.

Sam Wallace – Project Coordinator
Bishop Creighton House
Andy has done fantastic work as a mentor to a young man with learning disabilities. He has helped him identify and achieve goals, supporting him to develop and become more independent.