Child law services
Child law issues can be incredibly stressful and confusing. At Ramsdens Solicitors, we understand the emotional turmoil and complexities involved. Our dedicated team of child law specialists provides expert advice and representation throughout Yorkshire and the whole of the UK, ensuring the best possible outcome for your child and your family.
At Ramsdens we do not say lightly that we have one of the most experienced teams of Law Society Children Panel lawyers in the region. Our team has a depth of experience and knowledge in child law, care proceedings and serious cases that is recognised by a wide range of expert professionals across Yorkshire and by leading guides, including The Legal 500.
Our expert team has a number of solicitors that are members of the Law Society Children Law Accreditation Scheme (often referred to as the Law Society Children Panel). Our legal and technical expertise is reflected in the fact that members of our team often undertake legal training and seminars for professionals working with the child or young person within the proceedings.
Our children law solicitors are backed up by a full support team. You can be assured that our children panel lawyers are experienced advocates and will undertake the majority of advocacy themselves wherever possible. When appropriate to instruct counsel (a barrister) we have excellent relationships with and access to the best regional counsel and chambers in the area.
Our child law services
Care proceedings and supervision orders: Navigating these complex court proceedings requires experienced legal guidance. We represent parents, grandparents, and other family members involved in care proceedings to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
Child protection investigations: If Children’s Services are involved with your family, our solicitors can guide you through the investigation process, ensuring your rights are upheld and advocating for a fair outcome.
Contact arrangements and parental responsibility: We understand the importance of maintaining positive relationships between children and both parents. Our team can help you establish clear and workable contact arrangements and ensure parental responsibility is addressed fairly.
Adoption and paternity disputes: We offer expert legal advice and representation in adoption and paternity disputes, ensuring a smooth and legally sound process.
Mediation and alternative dispute resolution: Whenever possible, we encourage resolving disputes outside of court through mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods. This can be a more cost-effective and less stressful way to reach an agreement.
Representation for children in court (as instructed by the court): In cases where a solicitor is appointed by the court to represent a child, our highly experienced team provides exceptional legal representation, ensuring the child’s voice is heard throughout the proceedings.
Here's what sets Ramsdens Solicitors apart
We offer unmatched expertise. At Ramsdens Solicitors, we have a long-standing reputation for excellence in child law. Our team’s depth of experience and knowledge is recognised by leading legal guides like The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.
We are committed
Our commitment to exceptional service is reflected in our solicitors holding the prestigious Law Society Children Law Accreditation. This ensures you receive the highest quality legal representation in all child law matters.
Child welfare is our priority
We always make sure to prioritise child welfare. Every decision we make is centred on the child’s best interests. We work tirelessly to achieve a positive outcome that safeguards your child’s well-being and future.
Securing funding where possible
We can offer free Legal Aid to those who need it as we understand the financial burden legal issues can create. Our team will explore all options, including securing legal aid funding where applicable, to ensure you have access to the legal support you deserve.
Keeping you informed
At Ramsdens, we recognise the emotional toll that child law issues can take. We offer a dedicated support team to guide you through every step of the process, keeping you informed and ensuring your concerns are addressed promptly.
Frequently asked questions
In most child care proceedings, parents are entitled to free Legal Aid to help with legal costs. At Ramsdens, we offer a free initial appointment to assess your eligibility.
A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) is a court order made by a Judge giving a carer parental responsibility over a child. SGOs are a way to ensure children are cared for when they are not able to live with their birth parents. An order allows those responsible for a child to make decisions about the child’s upbringing until they turn 18 years old. This includes where they live and go to school, and providing consents to medical treatment. For more information about SGOs, visit our dedicated page Special Guardianship Orders
Under section 34(1) of the Children Act 1989, a child must be granted reasonable contact with their parents, any guardian, any person holding a Residence Order or Child Arrangements Order before the Care Order was made, and any person who had care of the child under wardship.
Parents and people with parental responsibility must be informed of the whereabouts of a child taken into care. The Local Authority can only withhold this information if there are reasonable grounds to believe the child’s welfare would be at risk.
Children’s Services also has a duty to promote contact with wider family members such as grandparents and siblings.
Section 21 of the Children’s Act covers the provision of accommodation for children under judicial protection, or who are detained or incarcerated. Local authorities must take care of the boarding and lodging of the child that is withdrawn from the family home.
Section 22 of the Children’s Act sets out the duties of local authorities to protect and promote the wellbeing of children under their care. The duty of ensuring the safest and most secure environment for children is a fundamental principle of local authorities.
Section 31 of the Children’s Act grants a child to be placed into supervised care by a local authority. The parental responsibility will then be shared between the parent and the local authority.
