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.
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