Care Proceedings & Free Legal Advice in Bolton
Where social workers are worried about the welfare of children, they may ask the Court to make a Care Order (including a short term “Interim” Care Order). The Court will make an Order if it is satisfied that the child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm and that the harm or its likelihood results from the care the child is receiving, or if the child is beyond parental control. Interim Care Orders can last for 8 weeks initially, after which time they will be reviewed by the Court at 4 weekly intervals.
The Public Law Outline sets out the timetable for Courts dealing with such matters. Details can be found at www.justice.gov.uk
Free Legal Advice
If social workers become involved with your family, it is vital to take legal advice as soon as possible. Once Court proceedings have begun, mothers and fathers with parental responsibility are entitled to free legal advice and representation. Fathers without parental responsibility, grandparents and other family members may also be entitled to free legal advice and representation depending on their financial circumstances and merits of the case.
Free legal advice and representation may also be available for preliminary work such as attending meetings with social workers.
Adoption
An Adoption Order ends the legal connection between the child and its birth parents and makes the child legally a child of the adoptive parents. We have expertise in dealing with all aspects of adoption proceedings, including acting on behalf of adoptives, birth parents and children.
What we offer
We have four solicitors who are members of the SRA Children’s Panel which means that we are accredited specialists in this area of law.
We will:-
• Attend every important meeting with you
• Represent you at all Court hearings
• Advise and assist you throughout this complex process
The Community Legal Service website provides a useful guide for parents, setting out your legal position if social workers become involved with your family and are considering issuing Court proceedings.
If you would like to speak to a specialist Solicitor as a member of the general public regarding Care Proceedings, please contact Chris Blackmore, Ron Trenchard or Emma Cordock on 0845 074 3491 or email family@afglaw.co.uk
If you wish to instruct a specialist Care Solicitor as a Court or Guardian, please contact Teresa Vickers, Cath Woolley, or Daniela Maggioni on 0845 074 3491 or email family@afglaw.co.uk
