Official Solicitor
The Official Solicitor acts for people who, because they lack mental capacity and cannot properly manage their own affairs, are unable to represent themselves and no other suitable person or agency is able and willing to act. He usually becomes formally involved when appointed by the Court, and he may act as his own solicitor, or instruct a private firm of solicitors to act for him.
Functions undertaken in England and Wales:
- Representing minors or adults who lack capacity to represent themselves, and sometimes others, in county court or High Court proceedings in England and Wales, and in the Court of Protection;
- Acting as last resort personal representative of the estate of a deceased person, or trustee of a trust, and other functions.
Functions undertaken to fulfil international obligations:
- Child abduction and contact matters are handled by the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU) as the Central Authority for England and Wales;
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Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Unit (REMO) handles the sending and receiving of applications for maintenance enforcement where one of the parties lives outside the United Kingdom are handled by the .