With care and adoption proceedings on the increase over the last ten years, and with the decline in firms which accept Legal Aid how does this affect families?

The care crisis review published in June 2018 found that a rising number of families faced with care proceedings are struggling to access specialist advice due to cuts in legal aid. And concluded there is a rise in parents acting on their own in adoption proceedings.

If you are a parent Social Services are involved with the care of your child, whatever the circumstances, you ARE entitled to be assessed for legal aid.  You do not have to go it alone.

Once a parent finds themselves in court following an application by the social worker to remove children, the court are likely to deal with the entire case within the 26 week guidance given to them.  This means that everything is very fast paced, and parents require help to understand what is happening, along with expert advice for the best way forward at each stage. Without legal advice the court and other professionals involved are finding that mistakes are made, things get missed & emotions run high.

At BTMK we are one of the few local firms who take on legal aid work, and we will assess each case to decide whether your personal circumstances fall within the Legal Aid guidance and secure it on your behalf if we are able to.

If you do require assistance for any issues involving social services please contact Charlotte Fedarb on direct dial 01702 238532 or [email protected]

You can contact our experienced team 24/7 on 03300 585 222. Call now for a FREE initial chat!

With offices in Southend, Leigh-on-Sea, Rayleigh and London, we’re local to you.

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