Child Law Solicitors
When social services become involved with your family, we can help you through this stressful and worrying time. We can:
- Provide advice right from the beginning of any social services involvement
- Attend meetings with you to provide legal advice and support
- Represent you at Court free of charge under Legal Aid – parents generally eligible
I have been contacted by Social Services. What should I do?
Social Services generally becomes involved with families in stages and we can usually help you whatever the level of involvement. It is important to take legal advice at an early stage, as it could help to avoid matters escalating.
You may have been asked to sign a s.20 agreement to allow the Local Authority to place your child in foster care with your consent. We can advise you about the implications of this. Please click here for further information about section 20 agreements.
Social Services have contacted me about my family. What should I do?
- Contact Waldrons to arrange an appointment
- We will assess you for Legal Aid - those on certain benefits qualify automatically; others are means-tested
- We will provide legal advice and can attend meetings with you
I have received a letter from the Local Authority saying that it is considering Court Proceedings. What should I do?
- Contact Waldrons to make an appointment
- We will assess you for Legal Aid, which is available for all parents regardless of income
- We will provide legal advice and can attend meetings with you
I have received notification from the Local Authority that it has started Care Proceedings about my child. What should I do?
- Contact Waldrons to make an appointment
- We will assess you for Legal Aid, which is available for all parents regardless of income
- We will notify the Local Authority that we are representing you
- We will provide legal advice and attend Court to represent you
Why Act Now?
If you receive a letter from Social Services advising you to seek legal advice, or if you receive a letter entitled “Letter Before Proceedings”, contact us without delay. We are Children Panel accredited solicitors, which means we are properly trained to deal with all legal matters relating to children.
Do I have to pay for a solicitor?
Not usually. Legal Aid is generally available to parents throughout Proceedings regardless of income
