Child Care Law is where Social Services have concerns for a child’s wellbeing and consider that a child is at risk of significant harm and have become involved with a family. This is a very specialised area of family law. The solicitors at Child Law Partnership are members of the Law Society Children Panel which is an essential requirement for lawyers dealing with these complex and important cases.

We cover a wide range of proceedings and represent children, parents, guardians and family members during this difficult time, always with the child’s best interests at the forefront of our agenda. We offer advice and information to ensure a full understanding of your rights and how the law may affect you and your family.

We represent parties in care and other public law proceedings in courts across Surrey and Hampshire but also in London, Reading, Croydon and Brighton courts.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

Q: What specific issues do you cover within Child Care Law?

A: We advise and represent families in all Public Law proceedings including emergency protection orders, care proceedings,, discharge of care Orders, supervision orders, wardship proceedings,,  adoption and fostering procedures.

Q: Social Services have taken my child. Can they do this before a hearing?

A: If Social Services believe that a child is in imminent danger they have the right to remove the child if they apply to the court for and obtain an emergency order. The police also have power to take children into protection if they consider children are at risk of imminent harm.

Q: My children have been taken off me but I cannot afford a lawyer. What should I do?

A: Public funding (legal aid) is granted to all parents [and others with parental responsibility] and children involved in public law cases where a local authority is applying for a court order, regardless of their financial situation

Q: Who will represent me in court?

A: We are advocates as well as solicitors and you will therefore usually be able to be represented in court by the lawyer who is preparing your case.

Q: What shall I do next?

A: If you have any concerns regarding your rights, please do not hesitate to contact one of our offices so we can talk you through the next steps and book an initial consultation. Our offices are situated in Basingstoke and Guildford.