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You are here: Home » Family Law » Compassionate child law solicitors » Social services & care proceedings solicitors
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What are child care proceedings?

Removing a child from their family is the most extreme intervention the state can make. However, the local authority has a duty to intervene and start child care proceedings if there are concerns that a child is at risk.

In most cases, social services are involved for a short time to support the family; however, for some, they may call for a Child Protection Case Conference. This allows social services to assess whether a care order needs to be issued.

At Stowe Family Law, we know how difficult this situation can be to navigate and that the fear of care proceedings can be overwhelming. That’s why we have a team of experts in this field who can use their wealth of knowledge to help guide parents and other family members through such complex situations.

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Key Care Proceedings Information

What do our care proceedings solicitors do?

Stowe Family Law care proceedings solicitors specialise in cases pertaining to care proceedings from local authorities. This court proceeding may be undertaken when the local authority is concerned about a child and applies for a care order to assume parental responsibility. To learn more about what a care proceeding solicitor can do for you, contact us today.

How long should care proceedings take?

Care proceedings, should they proceed to court, can take upwards of 20 weeks to reach their conclusion. Care orders last until a child is 18 years old.

Who should be given notice of care proceedings?

Everyone named as a respondent on the care order application will be made aware of and given notice regarding care proceedings.

What should I do if I have received notice of court proceedings?

If you have received notice of court proceedings from a local authority, contact Stowe Family Law quickly. You have 14 days to respond to the claim, and it’s important you have the legal knowledge and advice you need to achieve the best outcome.

See more answers to common questions

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Why might you need solicitors that deal with social services?

If social services have contacted you or a family member regarding child care proceedings, you must get legal advice urgently. Even if you do not attend scheduled meetings or court hearings, social services can make important decisions about your family’s future.

At Stowe Family Law, our social service solicitors regularly support families in this situation. We can contact social services on your behalf, attend any scheduled meetings and advise you regarding correspondence, reports or agreements you are asked to sign.

Our specialist children lawyers understand this complex legal situation and can advise you on your options and their impact, and will be on hand to support you in a caring and empathetic manner.

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Julian
Hawkhead
Senior Partner
Jemma
Slavin
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Chipchase
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Roberts
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Beth
Sheridan
Managing Partner, East Midlands
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Birch
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Newman
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Turner
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Armour
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Burrows
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Traynier
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Claire
Cleary
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Thew
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Imms
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Naismith
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Roche
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Coster
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Taylor
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Bhatiani
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Quinn
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Fisher
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Francis-Owusuasefa
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Ewa Cyran
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Durkin
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Vo
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Lodge
Solicitor, South West & Wales
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Tomley
Solicitor, Birmingham
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Sutton
Solicitor, London
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Reynolds
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Parkin
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Ravendradas
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Loveridge
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Baig
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Trow
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Taiwo
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Cross
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Hughes
Family Lawyer, Liverpool, Manchester, Chester & Wigan
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Lewis
Family Lawyer, Stony Stratford
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Miles-Berry
Family Lawyer, Sheffield
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Hall
Legal Assistant, Liverpool
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Balodis
Trainee Solicitor, Stony Stratford
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Kaur
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Harrison-Croft
Client Services Team Lawyer
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Christie
Client Services Team Lawyer
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Sandhu
Paralegal, London & St Albans
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Jones
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Paralegal, North West
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Paralegal, Stony Stratford
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Bradfield
Paralegal, Cardiff
Meet the rest of our team
Meet our team

  • What can happen in care proceedings?

    If social services decide to start care proceedings in the court, there will be several hearings, including case management and issues resolution, to see if an agreement can be reached.

    If not, there will usually be a final hearing where long-term decisions are made about your child’s future, who they will live with and what court order is best.

  • What are the potential outcomes?

    There are several final orders that the court can make:

    • Care Order: Your child stays in care until they are 18 unless the order is ended before then.
    • Supervision Order: Your child will live with you but Children’s Services will supervise the family.
    • Child Arrangements Order: Your child will live with another person, such as a family member or friend, for as long as the order exists.  The order can also set out contact arrangements for your child.
    • Placement Order: Children’s Services have permission to place your child for adoption even if you do not agree.
    • Special Guardianship Order: Your child will live with another person, such as a family member, but they will also have parental responsibility for your child, giving them all the rights, powers, duties and responsibilities that a parent has.

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Navigating social services and care proceedings requires both sensitivity and legal precision. We provide dedicated support to ensure that children’s welfare is prioritised and that families are fairly represented throughout the process.

Maya Bhatiani, Team Leader Partner

Why choose Stowe Family Law?

  • As the only national law firm fully dedicated to family matters, our expert team offers professional advice so you can make a fully informed decision about your divorce.

  • We are proud to be rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot. Check out our reviews to see what our previous clients have said about our service.

  • We feature in The Legal 500 rankings and are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

  • We keep you informed. Take a look at our support section, which features a range of helpful guides, focusing on important topics including finances and mediation.

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Let's ask Legal 500

Jemma Slavin is a passionate advocate of her clients’ causes and knows each case extremely well. Jemma is alive to what the client needs from the legal proceedings and does all she can to help them achieve it.

Let's ask Mr B

Very professional and always quick to respond to emails etc. Maria gave extremely useful advice, and was happy for me to fill out forms and complete statements myself to keep the costs down. She also recommended a barrister who was brilliant on the big day, and helped me to get a good result for me and my son. I would definitely recommend Stowe Fam… Read moreily Law to anybody going through child arrangements disputes.

Let's ask Mr J

I sat waiting for my first appointment with Sarah McLoughlin a fantastic solicitor, I was emotional in near tears sat with my mom at the time waiting to take a step to get rights and others things with my daughter. As soon as Sarah came round the corner I instantly felt a sense of security, I had been through hell, and in an instant she was tak… Read moreing notes and supporting my situation and in a sense holding out an open hand, I was heard and at every single email And phone call, despite my anxiety or how simple my request may be she never failed to help the situation, today on the 21/07/25 I got the best outcome and I truly owe the steps and support advised to me and supported with by Stowe, I cannot explain enough how well this company and Sarah were for me. I will forever be greatful.

Let's ask Ms G N

Thank you for your email, I’m so impressed and happy with how prompt and professional you continue to be!

Let's ask Mrs O

Charlotte Newman was supportive, professional and made the stressful process of divorce and child custody less daunting. She was available when I needed her and I couldn't be more grateful for all her help. I would highly recommend!

Let's ask Mr W

I contacted Stowe family law after I had separated from my partner of 12 yrs. She had walked out and left me to look after my 6 yr old son, 8 months later i was taken to court by my ex partner over my son, so I turned to Stowe for help. Jemma, Rachael and the team where there for me from the first time I met them until my case was settled in court.… Read more They supported me constantly through a very tough and emotional time that lasted for over a year, they we’re always there to help and I could not of got through this without them. My heart goes out to Jemma, Rachael and the team at STOWE FAMILY LAW. A big thank you.

Let's ask Mr A

Having received a devastating blow that my ex-wife was planning to relocate with our daughter I researched lawyers and as soon as I spoke to Rebecca (Calden Storr) her calm, professional and reassuring nature made the decision to pick Stowe Family Law easy. Rebecca held our hand throughout the process and I can't recommend her highly enough. She ex… Read moreplains everything in simple terms so we fully understood everything happening and her advice was second to none. As a father, you are sometimes made to feel like the underdog but Rebecca never did this and reassured me that we had a good case. Most importantly we achieved an end result that reflected our daughter's wishes and meant that my time with her has increased to shared care. My partner and I couldn't be happier. Thank you

Let's ask Legal 500

Joanna Newton is always extremely well prepared and aware of the issues which are likely to impact on her client’s goals. Joanna cares a great deal about achieving the right outcome for her clients.
Find out more about us

Common questions on child care proceedings

Common questions on child care proceedings

  • How do I arrange a consultation with social services solicitors?

    If you would like to arrange an initial consultation with one of our specialist child law solicitors, get in touch by calling us on 0330 191 4938 or emailing us at [email protected].

    You could also visit your local office and speak to one of our team directly.

  • Can social services take away my child without evidence?

    Unless the police have been forced to intervene and use their emergency powers to protect a child, removal of children from your care by social services must be approved by a court or in agreement with the child’s family.

    This means that evidence must have been provided to back up any claims that a child is at risk and that a court has decided that the child or children are to be removed from your care.

  • Is there a time limit for care proceedings cases?

    As prescribed by the children and families act 2014, care proceedings should conclude within a 26-week period. The uncertainty surrounding child care proceeding cases can be harmful and distressing to children and their families alike.

    Each case will be unique and there are varying degrees of severity to be taken into consideration. In certain exception circumstances, care proceedings can be extended but it is not a common occurrence. Our care proceedings solicitors will support you through the process to try to resolve the situation in the given time frame.

     

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