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What happens in care proceedings?

If the local authorities (social services) become concerned about the welfare of your child, they may ask you attend a Meeting Before Action. If you receive a letter from social services advising you that you need to attend such a meeting, you should access legal representation immediately.

Dependent on the circumstances, social services may decide to bring a court case. This generally includes applying for an interim care order, where a child can be taken into care on a temporary basis for up to eight weeks. This may only be made if the court is of the view that the child is at risk of harm. This process can be lengthy, so we work to prepare you for all outcomes.

At Brighton & Hove Law, we can offer expert, non-judgmental advice in what is undoubtably a stressful and highly complex situation. It is highly important that you have a specialist to help you through the process, reduce the stress of the situation and ensure the best possible outcome for your family. We are highly experienced in representing clients in cases concerning social services, so can assist you through this process with care and sensitivity. Please contact us if you have any questions, as this can be complex and we will be able to clarify the proceedings for you.

When can the local authorities make an application to take children into care?

This will be if there is concern for the welfare of your child. The circumstances that may trigger such an application will generally include concerns about neglect, or concerns that the child is being abused. We can guide you through the process of what social services are concerned about, and explain what may constitute neglect or abuse.

Do I qualify for legal aid?

If you have been asked to attend a Meeting Before Action with social services, you will qualify for legal aid automatically. Equally, if you have children who are the subject of care proceedings issued at court, you will also qualify for legal aid. If you are the grandparent or other family member, you may qualify for legal aid. For more information on legal aid, see our website or contact us to discuss your options.

What may be the outcome of care proceedings?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, and what the court finds, there are a number of potential outcomes that you may witness at the conclusion of care proceedings. This can range from the child being sent home with the parent if the risk is reduced, to the child living in a children’s home or being fostered or adopted. Please contact us if you are involved with social services so we can assist you through the process, or if you have any questions.

Client Testimonials

Thanks very much for all your sterling help through what has been a horrible time.

Mrs M  –  Brighton 

The service I received from Brighton and Hove Law, and from Lucy in particular, has been absolutely incredible and I can’t thank Lucy enough. She has been super professional, provided me with detailed and expert knowledge, explained everything to me really clearly, and been so reassuring and supportive at such a traumatic and stressful time. She is really kind, approachable, detailed and thorough, and always responded quickly and arranged calls and meetings at times to suit me, making me feel like nothing was too much trouble. I honestly couldn’t have got through the last 2 years without her.

Ms H

Just wanted to say a massive thank you to you and the team – not the nicest of circumstances – but it was a real pleasure working with you, which resulted in the right outcome. You certainly kept me sane and my feet on the ground throughout the process. Finally, thank you for keeping my costs down. I have already recommended you to several people should they need any legal advice.

Mr S – East Sussex

I cannot recommend Lucy Gregory from Brighton & Hove Law enough to anyone who is about to embark on a divorce. She was my rock in extremely difficult proceedings and I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her knowledge, support and professionalism. I was given superior service and will always be glad I chose Brighton & Hove Law and Lucy to get me through one of the most anxious and stressful chapters of my life. An amazingly kind but professional family law firm to deal with. I will be forever grateful to you Lucy.

Ms D

Lucy has the rare quality of combining compassion and understanding with excellent knowledge and professionalism. She always made sure I understood what were sometimes difficult legal processes and she was realistic about time-frames and risks. Lucy manages to calm difficult situations and we got the best result possible. I hope I won’t need her services again but have already recommended her to a colleague.

Ms C

I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for your services, advice and much help you gave me this year. You were very kind and patient with me Lucy and I could not have got through it without you.

Ms C

It is always a pleasure to be instructed by Brighton and Hove Law. Their team are extremely dedicated, hard working, knowledgeable and professional. They are on top of their game; clients consistently receive gold standard care and advice and counsel have well prepared briefs.

Sarah Taite, Barrister

Hello Lucy,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for all your brilliant advice. I don’t think I would have got through it all without your support. I will certainly recommend you to anyone who needs an excellent solicitor.

Ms K – Brighton

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