What Should I do if I Have Received Notice of Court Proceedings?
If you receive notice of care proceedings in court for your child, it is essential that you take advice from a legal expert straight away. We know that this can be a very worrying and distressing time. It is important that you have every opportunity to achieve the best outcome for you and your family. Our expert Care Solicitors will help you understand what is happening at each stage of the process.
Why have I Been Issued with Care Proceedings in Court?
The Local Authority may begin court proceedings following pre-proceedings meetings with Social Services under the Public Law Outline or PLO. Sometimes care proceedings are issued urgently and may involve allegations of injury to a child. Care proceedings may involve a child’s parents, but may also involve other carers for a child. Third parties may be invited to intervene in court proceedings if allegations are being made of non-accidental injury or sexual misconduct.
Our team can represent you at short notice and we are able to advise you on your rights and argue how you may be able to safely care for your child.
What are Non-Accidental Injuries?
When an injury to a child has been identified, either with no explanation or with an unacceptable explanation, it is likely that social services will become involved, and the Local Authority will start care proceedings against those with parental responsibility.
These injuries are described as a Non-Accidental Injury (NAI) and the term can be used widely for various types of injuries, often including:
- Shaken baby syndrome
- Broken Bones
- Smothering
- Poisoning
- Bruising
- Infant death
Where a non-accidental injury is suspected, there are many issues that will need to be considered by all parties, and it is important to have experienced legal representation at this point.
Legal Aid Available
Legal Help is provided by the Legal Aid Agency in some circumstances, subject to a means test. We are happy to have an initial discussion with you free of charge to discuss how we may able to help.
Legal Aid is always available for parents of children who are being taken to court by social services”. Find out more about Legal Aid.
Why choose Banner Jones Family Law Solicitors?
Several of our care solicitors are on the Law Society's Children Panel. Only solicitors who meet the Law Society’s exacting accreditation requirements are permitted to join the Children Panel and represent children in public law care proceedings.
Our experts in public law care proceedings can provide you with support and guidance throughout the care proceeding's process. We are specialists in cases involving non-accidental injury and child neglect.
Ms J, MansfieldCare Proceedings
Can’t thank you enough for everything, and for explaining things to me. Would use the company again. Friendly, nice, understanding and on time for appointments too.
Mr C, StanfreeI would like to thank you in all you have done for me in respect of these issues and I will not hesitate to come to you for further advice as and when needed.
Mr & Mrs W, AlfretonThankyou Helena Downing for all your excellent service.
Mr & Mrs R, ChesterfeldHelena I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in us. Without you I don't know what we would have done.
Mrs W, MansfieldVery efficient, friendly and professional. We would definitely recommend to friends and family. They made the whole experience problem free.
Mr & Mrs S, BridlingtonWe’re really grateful for the work you did for us. 10 out of 10!
Mr C, DronfieldVery easy to make appointments, very personal service from all people at Banner Jones, my solicitor was very friendly and put me at ease. If I needed a solicitor again, Banner Jones would be the first on my list.
Miss H, NottinghamshireBrilliant service, kept well informed all the way through the process. Would definitely recommend.
Mr & Mrs D, MansfieldCannot fault the service, efficient, prompt and cautious. Matters explained very well and clearly. Pleasantly surprised.
Mr W, NottinghamshireService provided was excellent. All the staff were very helpful, considerate and professional. I would highly recommend to friends and family.
Mr & Mrs L, ChesterfieldThank you Helena for all of your help and support. We have one very happy boy again.
Mr. B, Rotherham
Thanks for everything Helena you are a legend.
Miss D, ChesterfieldThank you so much 😊 we are very pleased with the outcome too and so relieved I can’t thank you enough for taking the case and helping me out again very grateful I feel like this time was much easier as well. Now just to finish parental assessment which is going very well and as they said on the meeting they will no longer be involved and will step down.
Mr W, ChesterfieldHi Melanie thank you for all the help that you have given me me whilst I have been on on the PLO. You have a caring manner and a pleasant nature and you have patience of a saint. I bet have nearly tried them a few times many thanks
(Care Proceedings Chesterfield)
Case ManagerCare Proceedings
I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for all of the time and effort you have put into this long-standing case - you have gone above and beyond for the client and tried your utmost to ensure his interests are protected throughout the proceedings.
Mrs O, ChesterfieldCare Proceedings
Thank you for everything Melanie, nearly 2 years and every step you have really helped me on every step of the way. I know you have gone above and beyond to help me and really want to thank you. You are a brilliant solicitor and lovely person.
Miss B, ChesterfieldApologies for not thanking you at the courts, I walked and talked with the guardian but I'd like to massively thank you both for your help and support and putting up with my rants I know I'm not the easiest person to deal with, I appreciate it massively.
Legal 500Vince Beckworth leads the busy care proceedings team where he is highly regarded for his representation of parents, family members and interveners in children’s care proceedings
Legal 500Vince Beckworth, is exceptional in his commitment to his clients and to ensuring that they have the best advice and support available.
Legal 500Jason Burnett is approachable and very client-focused