Call us on 01206 835 315

search-toggle Contact Us
close search
Close menu
  • If you have an enquiry and would like us to call you, please fill out the form below.

Home » Solicitors For You » Family Law Solicitors » Care Proceedings Solicitors

When social services become involved with your family, you need expert legal representation you can trust. At Fisher Jones Greenwood, our specialist care proceedings solicitors provide the skilled advocacy and compassionate support families need during these challenging times.

For advice, contact us via our online enquiry form or call 01206 835 315.

Expert Legal Representation in Care Proceedings

Our experienced team provides comprehensive legal support throughout all stages of care proceedings, ensuring your rights are protected and your voice is heard.

Complete Care Proceedings Support:

  • Expert representation throughout Court proceedings
  • Challenging interim care orders when appropriate
  • Support with care and supervision orders
  • Advice on placement and adoption proceedings
  • Help with appeals against local authority decisions

Support for Extended Family Members:

  • Representation for grandparents and other family members
  • Assistance with special guardianship applications
  • Support for relatives wishing to care for a child
  • Advice on contact arrangements and family time

Acting Quickly to Protect Your Family

Time is critical when social services become involved with your family. Our care proceedings solicitors respond promptly to ensure you receive the advice and support you need from the earliest stages of local authority involvement.

We work diligently to understand your unique circumstances, explain your options in clear terms, and develop a robust strategy that protects your interests while focusing on the welfare of your children. Our proactive approach means we’re always one step ahead, anticipating challenges and preparing strong defences for your case.

A Compassionate, Practical Approach

Our care proceedings solicitors combine exceptional legal expertise with genuine empathy and understanding. We recognise the profound stress and anxiety these situations cause families and provide a supportive service focused on achieving practical, positive outcomes.

We take time to explain complex legal processes in straightforward language, ensuring you fully understand your rights, options, and the likely outcomes at each stage of proceedings. Our clients consistently tell us they value our honest, clear communication and our commitment to keeping them informed throughout their case.

Why Choose Fisher Jones Greenwood for Care Proceedings?

Our care proceedings solicitors are recognised across the legal profession for their expertise and client-focused approach:

  • Recognised Expertise: Our Family Law team is consistently recommended in the independently researched publications, The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, for our outstanding work in family law and care proceedings
  • Law Society Children Law Accreditation: Demonstrating our specialist expertise and commitment to the highest standards in children law practice

We combine this recognised expertise with a sensitive, supportive approach that acknowledges the profound impact care proceedings can have on all family members. Our solicitors understand that behind every case is a family facing uncertainty, and we’re here to guide you through with skill and compassion.

Local Support Across Essex and London

With offices strategically located across Essex, Suffolk and London including Billericay, Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester, Leigh-on-Sea, Sudbury, and London, we are always within reach to offer tailored assistance that meets your specific needs.

Our extensive local knowledge of Family Courts and social services departments across Essex and London means we can provide guidance specific to your area, with valuable insights into local procedures, judicial approaches, and social work practices that can make a real difference to your case outcome.

Get Expert Care Proceedings Advice Today

We understand that taking the first step to reach out to a solicitor can be daunting, and we are here to make that process as smooth as possible for you. In the first instance, a member of our family team will be available to go through some initial questions with you to better understand your situation and determine your specific needs. Following this, we will arrange an appointment with one of our specialist solicitors who is best suited to assist you.

We also understand that flexibility is important, and our team offers appointments outside of usual office hours by pre-arranged remote appointment. This ensures that we can accommodate your schedule and provide the support you need at a time that is convenient for you.

contact a corporate recovery solicitor

Contact Us

With over 40 years’ experience, Fisher Jones Greenwood is a long-established law firm in Essex. With offices across Essex, Suffolk and London. Phone us on 01206 835 315 or complete our online enquiry form, and we’ll call you back to arrange a meeting with a solicitor.

Request A Callback

What should I do if social services contact me about my children?

Seek legal advice immediately, even before any formal meetings. Early legal representation can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case. We can explain your rights, help you understand what social services are concerned about, and prepare you for meetings or interviews. The sooner you involve a solicitor, the better we can protect your position.

Will my children definitely be taken away?

Social services involvement doesn’t automatically mean children will be removed from their family. The Children Act requires local authorities to work with families to keep children safely at home whenever possible. The focus should be on supporting families to address concerns rather than removing children. We’ll help you understand the specific concerns raised and work with you to address them effectively.

Can I challenge social services' decisions?

Yes, decisions can be challenged through various channels including formal complaints procedures, pre-proceedings protocols, appeals, and Court proceedings where necessary. The key is understanding which approach is most appropriate for your circumstances and acting quickly. We can advise on the strongest strategy for challenging decisions and represent you throughout the process.

Can other family members care for my children during proceedings?

Courts generally prefer children to remain with family members when they cannot stay with parents, as this maintains important family connections. We can help grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives put themselves forward as alternative carers and support them through the assessment process. Family placements are often viewed more favourably than foster care arrangements.

What are my rights during care proceedings?

You have extensive rights including the right to legal representation (often publicly funded), to participate fully in all decisions about your children, to put forward your case and evidence, to challenge evidence presented against you, and to have your Article 8 rights to family life properly considered. We’ll ensure your voice is heard throughout the process and that all your rights are fully protected.

How long do care proceedings typically take?

The Court aims to complete care proceedings within 26 weeks, though complex cases may take longer. We work efficiently to meet all deadlines while ensuring your case is thoroughly prepared. Early preparation and prompt action on our part can help avoid unnecessary delays and achieve the best possible outcome for your family.

Meet The Team
Awards we're proud of

Request a document we are
storing for you

Email Us

Make a payment to us quickly,
easily and securely

Pay Online

Call us on 01206 835 315

Contact Us