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- National accolade for Michelmores family lawyer
- Simon Thomas – My Working Week
- Custody - Access 20 Years out of date
- Michelmores adopt Families for Children charity
- Forced Adoption – is that right?
- Panorama questions whether everyone should be allowed to have children.
- Lawyers donate presents for abused families
- Collaborative law - Divorce
- The Supreme Court rules Pre–Nuptial Agreements have legal status
- Time for a national adoption agency?
- Wear a smile today!
- Prime Minister adds his weight to adoption transformation
- Women lawyers win Children’s Panel Appointments
- Keeping in the family
- Adoption falling?
- Michelmores awarded Legal Services Commission contract
- Gifts for families at Christmas
- Impact of spending cuts on children and young people services in Devon
- Michelmores Family Law - Who’s investigating you?
- Sun, sea and separation
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- Exeter family lawyer agrees to lecture at Plymouth University
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Care proceedings
Care Proceedings result when the Local Authority (also known as Social Services) believes a child may be at risk by remaining within the family.
Social Services have a responsibility to investigate the situation and decide whether to place the matter before the Court. If Social Services contact you and want to investigate, it is vital that you get early specialist legal advice.
It is a myth to believe that Care Proceedings can only happen in certain parts of the community. All of us are open to allegations being made against us and no matter how much we protest our innocence, Social Services are obliged to investigate.
Our team of family lawyers are experienced in helping families facing care proceedings. We will talk you through the process to make sure you understand what each stage involves and the legal options available to you.
Many of the Childcare Team belongs to the Law Society Children Panel which means that we have specialist knowledge of legal matters relating to children.
Michelmores care proceedings team
The Legal Services Commission
The Legal Services Commission (LSC) runs the legal aid scheme in England and Wales . We work in partnership with solicitors and not-for-profit organisations to provide information, advice and legal representation to people in need. We also make sure that people get the information, advice and legal help they need to deal with a wide range of problems.
- Tel: 0845 345 4345
- Website: http://www.legalservices.gov.uk
Association of Lawyers for Children
The Association of Lawyers for Children promote access to justice for children and young people within the legal profession. Our aim is to develop and improve the practice of lawyers in meeting the needs of children who become involved in legal processes by promoting standards of best practice and interdisciplinary training.
- Tel: 020 8224 7071
- Email: admin@alc.org.uk
- Website: http://www.alc.org.uk
Family Lives
Family Lives is a charity that has over three decades of experience in helping parents deal with the changes that are a constant part of family life. We know that many people play active roles in the raising of children within any family, from Dads, Grandparents, stepparents and non-resident parents. Our role is to support all of you to achieve the best relationship possible with the children that you care about.
- Tel: 0808 800 2222
- Website: http://www.parentlineplus.org.uk
Exeter Community Initiatives
Exeter Community Initiatives - supporting individuals and communities to fulfil their potential
ECI supports the development of strong communities in the Exeter area where local people can fulfil their potential, and increase their self-esteem, confidence and skills. We seek to tackle the local effects of poverty, increase people's control of their lives, reduce inequality, and promote collective action, particularly amongst those who are experiencing disadvantage or social exclusion.
- Tel: 01392 205800
- Email: info@eci.org.uk
- Website: http://www.eci.org.uk/Flying-StartLegal-Surgeries
Separated Dads
Being separated from your children is tough if you're a dad. We're here to help with all aspects from emotional to financial to legal. We also have a great facebook community to help you through the difficult times. We've recently started up a new directory to help you find advice and support. If you're from a relevant business or organisation, please list it in our directory.
- Website: http://www.separateddads.co.uk/
(Michelmores are not responsible for third party website contents).
What is a Care Order?
In simple terms, if a Local Authority (Social Services) is granted a Care Order then the Local Authority acquires Parental Responsibility and becomes the third parent (in addition to the mother and the father).
What is the role of the children's guardian?
In care proceedings, the Court will usually appoint a children's guardian for the child concerned. The guardian will be an independent professional and advise the Court as to what is in the child's best interests.
What is a Placement Order?
A Placement Order authorises the Local Authority (Social Services) to place a child for adoption with any prospective adopters who may be chosen by Social Services.
Care proceedings
Care proceedings are situations where the Local Authority (Social Services) has concerns about the child's welfare to such an extent that Social Services wish to intervene.
