If a child is considered to be at risk, is the subject of or has involvement from social services, our childcare solicitors can help you. We represent parents, family members, carers and children themselves in court proceedings.
Public child law is complex, especially when the best interests and welfare of a child is involved. We are here to help guide and represent you through the family courts.
We specialise in offering expert advice and guidance in childcare law, from child protection issues to care proceedings. Our team have been ranked as a Tier One team by the Legal 500 for three consecutive years for their sound advice and excellent service, so you can be sure you're in safe hands.
We know the cost of a solicitor can be a concern, but legal aid is available for some family law matters. We can tell you if you meet the criteria for legal aid and help you to apply.
As experienced domestic abuse solicitors and legal experts, we are committed to providing pragmatic and non-judgmental advice in high-conflict cases, ensuring our clients receive the support and expertise they need to get legal protection from the courts.
We offer legal aid for family law matters, including domestic abuse, child care proceedings, and child arrangement disputes. We will assess your eligibility for legal aid, assist with applications, and provide representation for those who qualify based on financial and case criteria.
Our specialist team act for local authorities in care proceedings, helping you stay on track and in budget. We understand the pressures you face and help you achieve the best outcome. With previous experience in local authorities the team become an extension of your own, delivering results.
We've years of experience in forced marriage and understand it needs to be delicately handled. Our care solicitors can support you through this difficult time and support you to the best outcome. Learn more about how we can help you.
To speak to a member of our team, get in touch today by calling 0800 138 0458 or contact us through the website.
Navigating childcare law is rarely straightforward, but you don't have to face it alone. Here's how we can be by your side, supporting you every step of the way.
Many of our child care solicitors are experienced advocates, representing clients in all courts, including the High Court and Court of Appeal, ensuring consistent support throughout the process. There are also a number who are Law Society-accredited for their expertise in child care law, and the team benefits from a speaker of Urdu and Gujarati.
Child are initiated when social services apply to the court to determine if your child should be legally protected from harm. This could be for several reasons including physical, emotional and sexual harm, and neglect:
Proceedings may also be started when a child is considered beyond parental control.
At the start of care proceedings, the local authority will apply to the family court for an interim order. This is a temporary care order that allows the local authority to take a child(ren) into care while are ongoing. The interim order is usually decided at the first hearing, shortly after the application has been made.
The court will also schedule a case management hearing, which should be held 12-17 days after the application is made to the court. The hearing can take place either before the magistrates, a District Judge or a Circuit Judge. This hearing sets out a timetable of dates for the filing of recommendations and plans about the future of your child(ren). For example, the social workers will tell the court about any work they want to do with you to assess if it’s safe for your child or children to return home or to stay at home. The court will set a date for a further hearing about 4-5 months after the local authority makes its first application to the court.
This hearing is called an issues resolution hearing. The main purpose of this hearing is to let the court know whether the plans for the child(ren) are agreed upon by the parents and the professionals. If a plan is agreed by everyone then the case can conclude at this hearing. If the plan isn’t agreed then the court will be asked to list the case for a final hearing.
The final hearing is to take place within six months of the application being put before the court. A final hearing can be listed for any length of time depending upon how complex your case is. If there is no agreement then it’s at this final hearing that a court will make a final decision about the plan for your child(ren).
If you have parental responsibility over a child, then it is essential to obtain professional legal advice to make sure that the complexities of proceedings are dealt with properly. Our childcare solicitors have years of experience in representing clients in these types of cases, with a wide and thorough knowledge of this area of law. We understand how stressful and sensitive this time in your life can be. Our team is friendly and understanding and offers the support you need to feel properly represented after your case.
If you’re concerned about how your grandchild or a child related to you will be cared for and looked after, our childcare team can help you. We can help if:
Although a non-parent is not automatically entitled to legal aid, you may still be eligible for legal aid or local authority funding. Get in touch with our lawyers today if you’re unsure about your financial position.
We can provide specialist representation of children of all ages in cases of this nature and are often called upon by court-appointed guardians to represent the interests of children involved in care proceedings.
Our specialists are skilled in communicating effectively with children, and we work closely with court-appointed guardians, making sure that proceedings are explained in an age-appropriate way to young clients.
We’re also instructed by young people in the care system who are looking for independent, straightforward advice.
We’re often called upon to represent the interests of children who have been made a party to private law proceedings under rule 16.3 and 4 of the Family Proceedings Rules. We use our experience and skills from working with young people to make sure that their voices are heard and their views considered by the court.
The outcomes from a child care case depend on a variety of factors, for example, the outcome of the parenting assessments or other expert assessments, the circumstances surrounding the child(ren), and what the court deems to be in the child's best interests. Some common outcomes can include:
While these outcomes are standard in childcare law, every case has its unique aspects. That's where our expertise comes in. At Switalskis, we aim to guide you through the process, offering clarity and reassurance along the way.
Childcare cases often come with emotional turmoil, and the last thing you'd want to worry about is how to pay for the necessary legal support. But you can breathe easy as we’ve got options that could work for you:
We're transparent about costs and will discuss all your funding options during our initial consultation. It's essential for us that you’re comfortable and well-informed as you go through this challenging period.
To speak to a member of our team, get in touch today by calling 0800 138 0458 or contact us through the website.
Understanding your rights in childcare cases can be difficult. We're here to guide you through it, providing the expert advice you need.
You have the right to legal representation. In child care proceedings, it's important to have a solicitor who specialises in child care law to represent your interests. We can help make sure your voice is heard throughout the process.
You also have the right to be kept informed about the case. Authorities must let you know what's happening at every stage of any investigation or proceedings concerning your child. Lack of communication can be both frustrating and disheartening, but we'll make sure that you are kept in the loop.
One key right you possess is to participate fully in the case. You'll be invited to attend all court hearings and meetings related to your child's welfare. Your views matter, and the court will consider your wishes and feelings when making decisions.
Another vital aspect is the right to confidentiality. Court proceedings are now open to the press to attend hearings but the press must respect your anonymity and abide by confidentiality restrictions set by the court.
Lastly, you may have the right to appeal decisions made by the court, although this can be a complex area. This is where our expertise comes into play, guiding you on whether an appeal is possible and how to go about it.
A child arrangement order sets out who a child will live and spend time with. Essentially, it aims to provide clarity on the child's living arrangements and the time they'll spend with each parent or other guardians.
You can apply for a child arrangement order through the court, usually when there's a dispute between parents or guardians that can't be resolved amicably. The court's main concern is always the child's best interests, so they'll look at various factors like the child's emotional and physical wellbeing, educational needs, and the potential impact of any change in circumstances.
Unfortunately, there is no legal aid funding to assist you with making an application to the court unless you’re a victim of domestic abuse, or you can show that your child(ren) would be at risk of harm from the other party. However, we can discuss private funding options with you to guide you through the complexities of securing an arrangement that works best for your child(ren).
An emergency protection order is a legal tool that can be used by the local authority when there's a belief that a child is in immediate danger. This order allows the child to be temporarily taken into the care of the local authority, usually for up to eight days, although this can be extended.
An emergency protection order is something no one wants to encounter, but when immediate action is needed to make sure a child is safe, it becomes necessary. The court only grants this order if they believe there's a risk of significant harm to the child if they remain in their current environment.
If you're faced with an emergency protection order, we understand how stressful and emotional the situation can be. That's why we're here to help. With our expertise in child care law, we'll guide you through the legal process and support you in understanding your rights and options.
To speak to a member of our team, get in touch today by calling 0800 138 0458 or contact us through the website.
This article explains the threshold criteria in care proceedings, a legal test that must be met before a court can issue a care or supervision order. It outlines what constitutes significant harm, how the threshold is determined, and what happens if it is met. Switalskis expert child care team offers guidance and legal support for those involved in care proceedings.
This article explains Section 20 of the Children Act 1989, which allows local authorities to provide accommodation for children in need through a voluntary agreement with those holding parental responsibility.
Our child care law team explore what parental responsibility is and who is automatically entitled to it. They also look at what happens if you have to share parental responsibility with social services.
A ‘child arrangements order’ (CAO) is an order made by the Family Courts of England & Wales setting out where a child lives, who they have contact with and how that contact is to take place.
Choosing the right firm for your childcare case is about finding a partner you can trust during a challenging period. So, why Switalskis?
Childcare cases can be intricate and emotionally draining. We simplify what appears complex. We break things down into plain English, giving you clear, actionable advice.
We're not just lawyers; we're people who care deeply about the impact of our work on your family. You're more than just a case number to us; you're a person going through an incredibly challenging time. We'll stand by you every step of the way, offering not just legal advice but emotional support as well.
When it comes to childcare law, you need the best. We're experts with a proven track record. Our team is filled with specialists who bring a wealth of experience to your case, offering you the best possible chance for a positive outcome.
We're committed to your cause. We're not just here to guide you through the legal process; we're here to advocate for you and your family's rights. We bring tenacity and determination to every case, aiming for the best possible outcome while making sure you feel empowered and informed.
We're here to guide you through the intricacies of childcare law, offering clarity and compassionate support along the way. Contact us today to discover how our expertise can make a real difference in your life. With Switalskis, you're not just hiring solicitors; you're gaining a caring and committed team.
Call us now on 0800 138 0458 or contact us through the website.