If the local authority/social services are concerned about the safety or well being of a child, they can start a process known as ‘care proceedings’. This will sometimes involve them making an application to the courts for an Emergency Protection Order, a Care Order or a Supervision Order for the child which means that they will have responsibility for the child, making decisions about their welfare such as where they live and who looks after them.

Families facing care proceedings are automatically entitled to public funding as it is not means or merit tested. Lonsdale & Mayall holds a contract to provide public funding in Family Law and has been accredited by the Specialist Quality Mark Partnership as meeting the high standards set for the delivery of public funding. All the required paperwork will be completed on your behalf to ensure families have one less thing to worry about at this difficult time.

Our Accredited Children Law specialist Lawyer has a wealth of experience in dealing with care proceedings and the local authority and can support children (through their appointed guardians) and parents whose children are ‘at risk’ or have been taken into care.

We can help families understand the actions of social services and what is happening as the case progresses as we appreciate it can be a very stressful and upsetting time. We can also attend court with you or attend pre-proceedings meetings with social services and advise you how best to proceed and how your actions will impact upon the outcome of proceedings.

We can also support families with Special Guardianship Application, Adoption and Child contact to name but a few.