Child Protection Lawyers
Care proceedings solicitors for parents. Legal aid representation in child protection cases, EPOs and care orders. Speak to our London team today.
Time-Sensitive Legal Matter
Care proceedings move quickly under strict 26-week timetables. Early representation protects your rights and ensures your case is put fully before the court. Legal aid covers all care proceedings and is not means-tested.
Understanding Care Proceedings
Local authorities initiate care proceedings when they believe a child has suffered or is at risk of suffering significant harm. These proceedings determine whether children should be removed from parental care
Our care proceedings solicitors represent parents, family members and special guardians throughout these cases. We handle the legal aid grant and arrange representation immediately. Contact us the moment you receive a pre-proceedings letter or court papers.
Our Services
Care Proceedings Representation
- Pre‑proceedings advice and representation
- Interim and final hearings (case management, issues resolution and final hearings)
- Evidence preparation and strategy
- Advocacy and instructing counsel
Emergency Applications
- Emergency protection orders (EPOs)
- Applications to discharge EPOs
- Secure accommodation orders
Orders and Arrangements
- Supervision orders
- Special guardianship orders (SGOs)
- Child arrangements orders
- Contact orders during proceedings
- Placement orders for adoption
Assessments
- Parenting assessments
- Psychological and psychiatric assessments
- Drug and alcohol assessments
- Residential parenting assessments
- Family and friends assessments
Post‑Order Applications
- Discharge of care orders
- Variation of contact
- Appeals
Legal Aid for Care Proceedings
Legal aid covers representation in all care proceedings, regardless of income or savings. We apply for funding and start work without delay. Legal aid also covers appropriate expert assessments, such as psychological evaluations or independent social work reports.
The Care Proceedings Process
26-week timetable – Early instructions are vital
Pre‑proceedings
Local authorities write to parents setting out concerns and arranging meetings. You have a right to legal representation. Attending with a solicitor can sometimes avoid proceedings.
Issuing proceedings
The local authority issues an application to the Family Court with grounds and a care plan. Parents receive the application and must respond quickly.
Case management hearings
The judge gives directions, decides what assessments are needed and sets deadlines for evidence. Your solicitor argues for assessments that assist your case.
Interim orders
The court can make interim care orders placing a child in temporary local authority care or with family while the case continues. Contact arrangements are set and reviewed.
Issues resolution hearing (IRH)
The IRH narrows what remains in dispute and tests whether the case can settle. Many cases resolve here—children may return home under supervision.
Final hearing
If settlement is not possible, the judge hears evidence from social workers, experts and parents. We cross‑examine witnesses and present your case.
Types of Orders
Understanding the key orders in care proceedings
Emergency Protection Orders (EPOs)
EPOs permit immediate removal where there is reasonable cause to believe a child is likely to suffer significant harm. An EPO lasts up to eight days, extendable by seven. We act urgently to oppose or discharge EPOs where removal is not justified.
Interim Care Orders (ICOs)
ICOs give the local authority parental responsibility alongside parents during proceedings. The court reviews ICOs regularly. We seek robust contact and support.
Care Orders
A care order gives the local authority parental responsibility until the order is discharged or the child turns 18. Parents keep parental responsibility but cannot use it inconsistently with the order.
Supervision Orders
A supervision order places the child under local authority supervision without removal from parental care. Orders last up to 12 months and can be extended to a maximum of three years.
Your Rights
Parents have separate representation from the child
You can see case documents and file your own evidence
You may give oral evidence and call witnesses
You can challenge contact decisions during proceedings
You have a right of appeal—usually within 21 days of an order
Why Immediate Representation Matters
Decisions at an early hearing can shape the rest of the case. Without a solicitor, you may agree to interim orders or assessments that do not reflect your position.
Early legal advice ensures you understand the process and that your case is presented properly from the outset. We act for parents (with or without parental responsibility), step‑parents, special guardians, grandparents and other relatives with significant relationships with the child.
Speak to a Solicitor Today
If the local authority has contacted you about concerns regarding your child—or issued proceedings—contact us immediately. Legal aid covers representation in all care proceedings.