Can I get free legal representation in care proceedings?
Yes, normally. In care proceedings Legal Aid is still available in many cases. Please call our offices to confirm whether, in your particular circumstances, Legal Aid is available to you.
What should I do if a social worker is saying they are concerned about my child or children?
Talk to the social worker and find out what they are concerned about. Ask the social worker what help or support they are offering to provide to your family to deal with the social worker’s concerns but, whatever they say, come to us and get some legal advice and information as to what happens from here.
If a Child protection Conference is convened can I take a legal adviser along?
Yes, call our team to arrange for us to accompany you to the conference and to offer our support and guidance.
Under what circumstances can Children’s Services remove my child from my care?
If Social Services think your child is in immediate danger or has been significantly harmed whilst in your care. You should be given notice of any Applications for Orders to have your child/children removed from your care. You should then get in touch with us straight away so that we can help.
Children Issues – FAQ’s and answers
My children don’t want to see their Dad/Mum, do I have to make them go?
As a rule it is generally in a child’s best interests if they have a good relationship with both parents. In most cases, if agreement cannot be reached between parties about the arrangements for children and it has to go to Court, the Court will order that children should see their father/mother regularly. There are some exceptions to this, and you need legal advice regarding this. Our Family Department can help with all aspects regarding children issues.
My Wife/Husband won’t let me see my Child/Children, what should I do?
You should consider mediation or negotiation through a solicitor before applying to a Court as Court is always the last resort. We can help you arranging mediation and/or negotiate with your ex-partner and if matters are still not resolved then advise you and represent you through the Court process.
FAQs regarding Care Proceedings
Can I get free legal representation in care proceedings?
Yes normally. In care proceedings Legal Aid is still available in many cases. If you ring our Offices we can confirm whether in your particular circumstances Legal Aid is available to you.
What should I do if a social worker is saying they are concerned about my child or children?
Talk to the social worker and find out what they are concerned about. Ask the social worker what help or support they are offering to provide to your family to deal with the social worker’s concerns but whatever they say come to us and get some legal advice and information as to what happens from her. Also follow our link re “Care Proceedings” for more information.
If a Child protection Conference is convened can I take a legal adviser along?
Yes ring us and we will accompany you to the conference to offer our support and guidance.
Under what circumstances can Children’s Services remove my child from my care?
If they think you child is in immediate danger or has been significantly harmed whilst in your. You should be given notice of any applications for orders to have your child/children removed from your care. You should then get in touch with us straight away so that we can help.
