Care Proceedings
Care proceedings can be initiated by Social Services if there are concerns regarding the health and welfare of your children.
Receiving notification that care proceedings are about to commence can be a daunting experience for parents.
It is imperative that you contact us immediately if you find yourself in this situation. Our Care Proceedings Solicitors will take control and work tirelessly to ensure the safety and welfare of your children are prioritised.
We are a diverse, multi-lingual law firm located in Nuneaton city centre. Our solicitors use cutting-edge technology to deliver streamlined, modern, and highly effective family law advice and representation. With years of experience in family law, we have built a strong reputation for excellence, working with the UK’s top Barristers and King’s Counsel, Child Psychologists, and community groups to support our family law department when necessary. Our clients also benefit from our access to the most respected expert witnesses in the country.
Our Family Law Ethos
Our Family Solicitors are members of Resolution, an organisation that promotes a non-confrontational approach to family law disputes, ensuring better long-term outcomes. We adhere to Resolution’s Code of Practice, working to resolve care issues calmly and persuasively, with the child’s welfare as the primary concern. However, if Court proceedings are unavoidable, you can trust us to fight tenaciously for the best possible outcomes for you and your children.
Based in Nuneaton, our highly skilled and compassionate Solicitors are trained to handle the emotional impact of care proceedings. If you find yourself struggling, we can refer you to support agencies and counsellors. Our team, which includes trained Mediators and members of the Law Society’s Children’s Law Panel, is here to assist you during challenging times and secure the results you need for a positive future.
Common Questions About Care Proceedings
What is a Care Order?
A Care Order places a child under the care of a Local Authority. Social Services will apply for a Care Order if they believe a child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm. An interim Care Order can also be issued while Court proceedings are ongoing.
When a Care Order is granted, the Local Authority assumes responsibility for the child while the Order is in effect. Typically, a Care Plan is developed, and the child may be placed with foster parents.
What is a Supervision Order?
A Supervision Order places a child under the supervision of a Local Authority without granting them parental responsibility. The child may need to comply with certain conditions, such as living in a specified location or participating in specific activities like attending school.
What is a Pre-Proceedings and PLO Meeting?
In most care proceedings, Social Services have been involved with the family for some time. A Public Law Outline (PLO) and Pre-Proceedings Meeting is the final step before care proceedings begin. If you are invited to a PLO meeting, it indicates that the Local Authority has serious concerns about your child’s safety and welfare.
The meeting will include your Social Worker, their Team Manager, and a Solicitor from the Local Authority. You and the other parent will be invited, and you can bring your Solicitor. It is crucial to attend the meeting as the Local Authority will outline their concerns and propose a plan of assessments to avoid initiating care proceedings.
Our Care Solicitors can represent you at a PLO meeting, ensuring your perspective is heard and that you understand the proposed assessment plan from the Local Authority.
Can I get legal aid for care proceedings?
Legal aid is available for care proceedings. Our Family Law Solicitors will guide you through the legal aid process and inform you of your eligibility.
Why Choose Us?
We have extensive experience in advising and representing clients in care proceedings. Our team handles each case with sensitivity and will guide you through the Court process, ensuring you understand every step and what is required to keep your family together.
Cocks Lloyd Solicitors provides exceptional Care Proceedings and Family Law services to clients. People choose and recommend us not just in Nuneaton, Tamworth, Atherstone, Hinckley and Leicester, but across Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire and the West Midlands, and the whole of the UK, because we get results.
To receive expert advice and representation regarding Care Proceedings and Family Law, please contact us using the form below, call us on (0247) 6641642, email via the Request a Callback form on this contact page.