Care Proceedings
Solicitors in Bradford
Specialist legal advice when Social Services
are involved with your family
ASA Solicitors is a Bradford-based family law firm with a particular focus on Care Proceedings, Social Services involvement and Children Law. We represent parents and family members from the earliest stages of Children’s Services involvement through PLO meetings, urgent applications and ongoing Care Proceedings before the Family Court.
If you have received court papers, a PLO letter, or have been told that your child may be removed from your care, obtaining specialist legal advice as early as possible is important.
ASA Solicitors | 12 New John Street, Bradford, BD1 2QY
Specialist Children Law Advice | Legal Aid | SRA Regulated | Bradford Office
How ASA Solicitors Can Help
Our team advises and represents clients in matters involving:
Are Social Services Involved With Your Family?
Social Services involvement can begin in different ways.
You may have:
- Been contacted by a social worker
- Received a PLO or Letter Before Proceedings
- Been asked to agree to Section 20 accommodation
- Been told that Care Proceedings may be issued
- Received Family Court papers
- Been told that Social Services are seeking an Interim Care Order
- Been warned that your child may be removed from your care
This does not automatically mean that your child will be removed.
However, early legal advice can help you understand the Local Authority’s concerns, respond properly and ensure your position is represented.
What Are Care Proceedings?
Care Proceedings are public law proceedings brought by a Local Authority where there are serious concerns about the welfare of a child.
The Family Court will consider whether the legal threshold for intervention has been met and what arrangements are necessary to safeguard and promote the child’s welfare.
Possible outcomes can include:
- A child remaining with a parent
- A Supervision Order
- An Interim or Final Care Order
- Placement with a relative
- A Special Guardianship arrangement
- Other orders considered appropriate by the court
The outcome depends on the individual facts and evidence in each case.
Legal Aid for Care Proceedings
Parents and certain people with parental responsibility who are parties to qualifying Care or Supervision Proceedings are generally entitled to Legal Aid without their income or savings being assessed.
Different rules may apply to grandparents, relatives, intervenors or people without parental responsibility.
ASA Solicitors can advise you about the funding available in your case.
Legal Aid for Parents in Care Proceedings
If you have received Care Proceedings papers, contact our team:
01274 900 400
Why Choose ASA Solicitors for Care Proceedings?
Care Proceedings Focus
Care Proceedings and Social Services cases are a principal area of our family law practice.
Bradford Based Solicitors
Our office is based at 12 New John Street in central Bradford.
Advice From the Earliest Stage
We can advise from initial Social Services involvement and PLO meetings through to contested court proceedings.
Complex Children Law Cases
We advise in cases involving serious allegations, Non-Accidental Injury, parenting assessments, expert evidence and Finding of Fact hearings.
Clear Advice
We aim to ensure clients understand the concerns being raised, the evidence being relied upon and what happens next.
Local Care Proceedings Solicitors in Bradford
ASA Solicitors represents parents and family members involved in Care Proceedings and cases concerning Children’s Services.
Our Bradford office assists clients from Bradford and surrounding areas across West Yorkshire, including:
- Shipley
- Bingley
- Keighley
- Pudsey
- Halifax
- Leeds
- Dewsbury
- Huddersfield
Frequently Asked Questions About Care Proceedings
Obtaining specialist legal representation is strongly recommended because Care Proceedings can involve important decisions about where your child lives and what orders the court makes.
There are circumstances in which a child may be removed without parental agreement, including where a court makes an appropriate order or statutory emergency powers apply. If you have been told that your child may be removed, seek urgent legal advice.
No. Children may remain with a parent or be placed with family members or other carers depending on the circumstances.
The Family Court generally works towards resolving Care Proceedings within 26 weeks, although some cases can take longer where necessary.
Parents and certain people with parental responsibility who are parties to qualifying Care or Supervision Proceedings are generally entitled to Legal Aid without a financial means assessment.
Potentially, yes. If you are unhappy with your existing representation, ASA Solicitors can discuss your circumstances and advise whether transferring your case is appropriate.
Care Proceedings & Social Services Guides
Speak to a Care Proceedings Solicitor in Bradford
If Social Services are involved with your family or you have received Care Proceedings papers, contact ASA Solicitors as soon as possible.
Our team can explain your rights, review the Local Authority’s concerns and represent you throughout the proceedings.
ASA Solicitors
12 New John Street, Bradford, BD1 2QY