Social services and court papers. England and Wales.
Legal Aid for Care Proceedings
If you have been told care proceedings may start, or you have already received court papers, get advice quickly. We connect you with solicitors who can explain the process and confirm how Legal Aid may apply.
This page provides general information only. A solicitor will advise you based on your circumstances and the child's welfare.
If you have court papers or a hearing date
Time limits can be tight. If you have received a letter before proceedings, a pre-proceedings meeting invite, or court papers, speak to a solicitor urgently.
What care proceedings are
Care proceedings are court cases involving a local authority (social services) and a child’s welfare. The local authority may ask the court for orders that affect where a child lives or what support is required.
Before court starts
You may receive letters, assessments, plans, or invites to meetings. This stage can be crucial for your case.
Once court has started
There will be hearings, documents, and deadlines. A solicitor can explain each step and what is expected of you.
Why early legal advice matters
Care proceedings can move quickly, and decisions can have long-term effects. A solicitor can help you understand the concerns, respond appropriately, and prepare for meetings and hearings.
- Explain what the local authority is alleging
- Help you prepare for meetings and assessments
- Review court papers and deadlines
- Help you respond with your account and evidence
- Explain what orders mean in practice
- Discuss Legal Aid and funding routes
What to gather for your solicitor
You do not need everything to start. But the more you can share early, the faster a solicitor can advise.
- Court papers: applications, orders, hearing notices, statements
- Letters and reports: social services letters, assessments, child protection plans
- Key dates: meetings, deadlines, hearing dates
- Any restrictions: contact arrangements, supervised contact details
- Your timeline: a short factual summary of what has happened
How Legal Aid may apply
Legal Aid may be available for care proceedings depending on the situation. A solicitor can confirm eligibility and explain what is required.
Eligibility checks
You may be asked for basic personal details and information relevant to funding. If you do not have documents immediately, provide what you can and explain what is missing.
If Legal Aid is not available
A solicitor can explain alternative funding options depending on the stage and urgency of the case.
Next steps
- 1) Tell us whether you have court papers or a hearing date.
- 2) Share any key letters or documents you have received.
- 3) We connect you with a solicitor to discuss eligibility and urgent next steps.
FAQs
What are care proceedings?
Care proceedings are court cases where a local authority (social services) asks the court to make decisions about a child’s welfare. A solicitor can explain what the papers mean and what happens next.
Can I get Legal Aid for care proceedings?
Legal Aid may be available for care proceedings depending on the situation. A solicitor can confirm eligibility and explain what information is needed.
What should I do if I receive court papers?
Do not ignore them. Deadlines can be short. Speak to a solicitor urgently and gather any documents you have been given.
Will the court remove my child automatically?
Every case is fact-specific. The court focuses on the child’s welfare. A solicitor can explain what the local authority is asking for and how to respond.
What if I disagree with what social services are saying?
You can respond with your account and evidence. A solicitor can help you understand the concerns, what assessments mean, and how to present your position appropriately.