Mental illness can be a distressing and frightening experience for both patients and their loved ones. The illness can also have legal consequences such as involuntary detention in hospital under the Mental Health Act.

It is vital that patients and relatives seek expert advice. Hewitts expertise in this area is such that it has specialist lawyers who are members of the Law Society Mental Health Review Panel.

Non means tested Legal Aid is available for a detained patient and if you are the nearest relative of someone detained under the Mental Health Act you have rights under the Mental Health Act and may be eligible in your own right for legal aid assistance.

We regularly represent individuals who are detained in hospital and we also give specialist advice on the Court of Protection which assists those who are, for whatever reason, unable to manage their financial affairs.