What Should I do if I Receive a Letter Before Proceedings (PLO letter)?
If the Local Authority are considering taking you to court due to concerns for your child, then they will usually send you a PLO Letter inviting you to a pre-proceedings meeting (PLO Meeting). PLO stands for "Public Law Outline" which sets out how proceedings for children are dealt with by the courts.
If you receive a PLO Letter it is important to get in touch with a solicitor as soon as you can. A PLO Meeting is your chance to avoid court proceedings, and we can help you by advising you before a PLO Meeting and accompanying you to the meeting. Our specialist Care solicitors will be able to explain the concerns the local authority has about the child and offer expert advice on how to resolve the situation most efficiently. Although PLO meetings are designed to be constructive, it may be upsetting for a parent to hear what the local authority has to say about their children. By offering independent legal advice, a solicitor will help to keep the discussion on track with a view to doing what is best for both the child(ren) and the parents. We aim to resolve problems at the earliest stage to avoid care proceedings in court. But if matters do escalate, we can continue to assist you throughout any court proceedings.
If you receive a PLO Letter in relation to your child or a child for whom you have parental responsibility you are eligible for Legal Aid to pay for the full cost of a solicitor to advise you before a meeting and also to attend the meeting with you
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.
He's got to keep a roof over our heads hasn't he?
Non-residential parents have to pay maintenance for their children; hopefully the amount can be agreed though negotiation and if not then the CSA will decide. Each case is different. If for example the Mum and the children stay in the family home then she may relinquish her claims over any other assets such as pension and savings in return. Our family law solicitors can advise on your specific circumstances.
How soon can I file for a divorce?
You can get divorced in England or Wales if all of the following are true:
- you’ve been married for over a year
- your relationship has permanently broken down
- your marriage is legally recognised in the UK (including same-sex marriage) Speak to one of our divorce solicitors to ensure you meet the legal criteria.
What am I entitled to in a divorce?
The aim when sharing out matrimonial assets is to be fair. Both spouses have to make full disclosure about their assets and debts before any decisions can be made about distribution, trying to hide anything won't work. Factors which are important when sharing out the assets include the current and future needs of each spouse and any dependent children; the length of marriage and the age, earning capacity and contributions of each party. Our family law Chesterfield team can guide you through this process.
Will I lose touch with my children?
Your aim should be that both parents still play an active part in the raising of the child/children. Usually, parents sort this out amongst themselves, although if there are problems, mediation can be a good way to resolve this. Our family law solicitors will advise you on Shared Care Agreements and Live With and Spend Time with Orders. Going to Court should always be the last resort when children are involved.
Will we have to go to Court during our divorce?
No, getting a divorce should be an administrative exercise only, and there are many options open to you that avoid going to Court.