At Straw & Pearce we understand that social services being involved with your family can cause a great deal of anxiety. Our specialist family law solicitors are here to help you. Our team have extensive experience representing parents, grandparents and other family members in situations where Social Services are involved. We will advocate for you and support you.

When social services become involved with your family, it can be one of the most stressful and emotional times in your life. Our Child Care department has years of experience in dealing with complex cases. We have four accredited Children Law Specialists in our team who are recognised by the Law Society as being legal experts within child protection cases.

We provide advice and representation to parents, grandparents and other family members on all aspects of child protection and care proceedings, including:

• Care proceedings and emergency protection orders
• Child protection conference and pre proceedings meetings
• Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs)
• Adoption and Placement Orders
• Contact with children in care

We understand that every family’s situation is unique. We will listen to you without judgement and provide clear and honest legal advice. You will understand your rights, what your options are and what steps you can take right now to show you can safely care for your child.

Legal Aid is automatically available to a person with parental responsibility if the Local Authority issue care proceedings or if they invite you to a pre proceedings meeting. Legal Aid is also available to parents, subject to your income and capital, if you need legal advice about child protection concerns. Legal Aid may be available to other family members dependent on the circumstances. If you contact us we can assess your eligibility for legal aid.