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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.
Key child law information
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What is a child arrangements order? |
A child arrangements order is a court order determining who cares for a child. It specifies:
The order can also include other types of contact, such as phone calls, video calls, and letters. |
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What is child maintenance? |
Child maintenance is a payment from one parent to another to cover living expenses. Ideally, parents agree on the amount and what it covers themselves. If not, they can apply to the Child Maintenance Service(CMS),a government agency that arranges and collects maintenance payments. |
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What child custody laws might you and your partner need to resolve? |
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Our child law services
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 cmplex 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.
Meet our expert child law solicitors
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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.
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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.
We offer an award winning service
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.
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 an all-round brilliant lawyer – she is excellent with clients and well-liked by local solicitors as an opponent, not because she is an easy opponent but because she always takes a proportionate and cost-effective approach to cases. Rachel Fisher is a friendly but formidable lawyer who is extremely good for her years of PQE. Joanna… Read more Newton is a brilliant addition to the firm – a truly high-class act.‘Let's ask Ms S
Thank you so much for achieving this for me. You worked so hard and in the end, the judge valued all the work we had done... I am so overjoyed I still sometimes think I must have dreamt it.Let's ask Mr W
Helen Miller is a credit to the Stowe Family Law Team! She continually supported me throughout a litigious private child law matter, in which I acquired everything I wanted from the Court, and much more. The shared care arrangements that are now in place are testament to Helen. I would have no hesitation in recommending Helen to anyone that finds t… Read morehemselves in a family dispute. I write this as a very very satisfied customer, and Lawyer... Stowe Family Law are very lucky to have such a wonderful Lawyer working for them.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 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 E K
I had to change my solicitors, that's why I met Kate Bouwmeester at Stowe Family Law. I wish I had her as my solicitor from the very beginning. My financial matter was handled by Kate. Also, she gave me advice on children matters. Kate understood what my expectations were and honestly handled the matter cost-effectively. Kate had been brilliant whe… Read moren it came to clarity and details. She was quick with responses. I would highly recommend Kate Bouwmeester if you are looking for a solicitor for your marital conflict. Unlike some other solicitors, Kate Bouwmeester is able to advise on all matters - divorce, finances and children. I believe that these three matters are linked to one another and having one solicitor, rather than two, for all these matters is more efficient and cheaper. Thank you Kate for helping meCommon questions on child care proceedings
Common questions on child care proceedings
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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.
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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.
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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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