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Legal Matters Regarding Children

If you are contacted by Children's Services for any reason, having expert legal advice is vital. Dunn & Baker Solicitors can support you at this difficult time.

The decision by a Local Authority to become involved with your family can be a very emotional and traumatic experience for everyone. Local authorities have a duty to safeguard the welfare of children who they consider as being "in need".  As far as it is possible, their duty is to promote the upbringing of the child within the family by providing a range and level of services appropriate to the child's needs. The Local Authority will hold meetings to decide what they view as being best for the child before they may have to consider making an application to Court.

However, the only way that a Local Authority may feel able to ultimately safeguard a child is by applying to Court for a Protection Order such as a Care Order. There are a range of Orders that a Local Authority can seek in respect of a child. The Court must decide which Order, if any, will be in the best interests of the child. The Court requires that the child’s welfare shall be the paramount consideration when deciding whether or not to make an order. The Court will have the final decision about your child’s future.

In cases where a Local Authority has made an application for a Care or Supervision Order, Legal Aid is available for the parents and those with Parental Responsibility who need to be represented.

Dunn & Baker Solicitors have family legal experts who can advise you on these issues. Regardless of whether you have been asked to attend a meeting or are being told that you may be taken to Court about your child, the options can be explained before any action is taken. We clearly outline all stages of the process and the options that may be available to you. We explain things in plain simple English and make sure you are kept informed throughout. Call us today to arrange your FREE initial consultation with one of our legal experts.

Team members

Anne Kaplan
Chartered Legal Executive
Exeter
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Becca Rozier
Paralegal
Exeter
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Tim Weatherhogg
Senior Associate / Chartered Legal Executive
Exeter
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Why Dunn & Baker Solicitors?

Dunn & Baker Solicitors are part of the QualitySolicitors Network which is the largest network of law firms in the UK, with firms spanning the whole of England and Wales and customer service at the heart of what they do.

We are dedicated to providing the highest quality legal advice and expertise for our clients in a way that friendly, accessible and clear-talking.