Child Care Proceedings
Child Care Proceedings
We realise that involvement with Social Services can be hugely traumatic for everyone involved, especially if the local authority has applied for an Emergency Protection Order or Care Order because they have concerns about your child or someone in your care. You will want to understand your legal rights and what to do next.
Our child care proceedings solicitors have extensive experience in this complex area of law and can represent parents in all public law child care proceedings.
For help on Child Care Proceedings matters, you can call our family lawyers on 01452 521286, email us at lawyers@langleywellington.co.uk or make an online enquiry.
Child Care Proceedings Solicitors in Cheltenham and Gloucester
The intervention and investigations of the local authority can be extremely distressing, and due to the complexity of this area of law, it is essential that you seek specialist help at the earliest opportunity. At Langley Wellington, our family law team provides sensitive advice and guidance without judgement. We regularly represent parents, children, guardians, and family members in care proceedings brought by the local authority.
Regardless of your circumstances, get in touch with our Care Proceedings lawyers today so we can help you. We can help you with all areas of child care proceedings, including:
- Local Authority pre-proceedings meetings
- Emergency Protection Orders
- Interim and full Care Orders
- Interim and full Supervision Orders
- Special Guardianship Orders (subject to Legal Aid Agency means testing)
Social Services Solicitors
If social services have contacted you in relation to any of the above, we can be involved right from the beginning, carefully explaining all the procedures involved so that you fully understand the legal process. Where required, we will demonstrate your eligibility for legal aid and how you can apply. Our team will be there wherever possible to attend local authority pre proceedings meetings with you, providing the representation and support needed, including during the court assessment process.
Legal Representation for Children
Sometimes, children may require separate legal representation in care proceedings. Under these circumstances, we are often instructed by Court appointed Children’s guardians to represent children in care proceedings to find a solution that will cause the least amount of impact and is in their best interests. Our highly skilled and sensitive child law solicitors have extensive experience in this complex area of law.
Get in Touch
To find out more about our Family Law Services or to speak with our team, call 01452 521286 or make an online enquiry. We have two office locations across Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Our Fees
You can choose to be charged for the time actually spent on your case, or in suitable cases, we provide a series of fixed-fee packages that can help you better understand what is required for your case and manage the costs. Some of the fixed fee costs we can offer include:
Initial Consultation
We offer an initial 20-minute telephone conversation free of charge, and if a meeting is required, then this will be charged at the relevant solicitor’s hourly rate.
Civil Partnerships
If you want to start divorce proceedings/dissolution proceedings with regard to a civil partnership, we can deal with your divorce/ dissolution of civil partnership on the basis that it is undefended for a fixed fee of £600 plus VAT plus the court fees.
The fee covers us meeting with you to take instructions and to prepare the necessary paperwork, we will go on record at court for you and keep you updated by telephone, letter, and email.
Other fixed fee services range depending on complexity and can include:
- Pre-Nuptial/Post Nuptial Agreement £1,500 – £2,000 + VAT
- Cohabitation/Separation Agreements £1,000 + VAT
- Consent Order £850 + VAT
The fee does not cover advice and assistance with regard to issues concerning children, financial matters, or domestic abuse. We are happy to assist in those areas, and can discuss the cost of doing so with you.
If you decide to take up this Fixed Fee Package, then the total sum is payable in advance for starting work.
FAQs
Do both parties have to agree to a divorce?
Following the introduction of the ‘no fault divorce’ in April 2022, parties can apply for a divorce either on a sole basis or a joint basis.
How do I start the divorce process UK?
You can start the divorce process by making a divorce application online. We offer a fixed rate for a procedural divorce for £600 + VAT, and there is a Court fee of £593. This includes making the application through to the conclusion of the divorce when the Court pronounces the Final Order.
How long does a divorce take?
On average, it takes around 4-6 months to deal with the procedural divorce. However, it usually depends upon the financial matters and at what stage this can be concluded.
How much does divorce cost if both parties agree?
We offer a fixed fee to deal with a procedural divorce. This is £600 + VAT and disbursements if you are the applicant and £400 + VAT if you are the respondent. Many solicitors charge an hourly rate, and you could end up paying in excess of £1000 + VAT and disbursements for your divorce.
What are the stages of divorce?
The process begins by lodging your divorce application with the Court. Thereafter, the respondent will receive an Acknowledgment to complete. Once completed, the applicant can apply for the Conditional Order, and finally, the Final Order will be pronounced, ending the marriage.
What is the new divorce law in UK?
The ‘no fault divorce’ was introduced in April 2022 following many years of discussion and campaigning. This has now removed the need to lay blame at either party’s door and is conducive to a financial settlement and, most importantly, arrangements for the children.
What questions should I ask a solicitor about divorce?
The most common questions relate to process and cost. We will explain the divorce process, whether you are the applicant or the respondent, guide you through the process and deal with it on your behalf for a fixed fee.
How can we help?
Our Fees
You can choose to be charged for the time actually spent on your case, or in suitable cases, we provide a series of fixed-fee packages that can help you better understand what is required for your case and manage the costs. Some of the fixed fee costs we can offer include:
Initial Consultation
We offer an initial 20-minute telephone conversation free of charge, and if a meeting is required, then this will be charged at the relevant solicitor’s hourly rate.
Civil Partnerships
If you want to start divorce proceedings/dissolution proceedings with regard to a civil partnership, we can deal with your divorce/ dissolution of civil partnership on the basis that it is undefended for a fixed fee of £600 plus VAT plus the court fees.
The fee covers us meeting with you to take instructions and to prepare the necessary paperwork, we will go on record at court for you and keep you updated by telephone, letter, and email.
Other fixed fee services range depending on complexity and can include:
- Pre-Nuptial/Post Nuptial Agreement £1,500 – £2,000 + VAT
- Cohabitation/Separation Agreements £1,000 + VAT
- Consent Order £850 + VAT
The fee does not cover advice and assistance with regard to issues concerning children, financial matters, or domestic abuse. We are happy to assist in those areas, and can discuss the cost of doing so with you.
If you decide to take up this Fixed Fee Package, then the total sum is payable in advance for starting work.
FAQs
Do both parties have to agree to a divorce?
Following the introduction of the ‘no fault divorce’ in April 2022, parties can apply for a divorce either on a sole basis or a joint basis.
How do I start the divorce process UK?
You can start the divorce process by making a divorce application online. We offer a fixed rate for a procedural divorce for £600 + VAT, and there is a Court fee of £593. This includes making the application through to the conclusion of the divorce when the Court pronounces the Final Order.
How long does a divorce take?
On average, it takes around 4-6 months to deal with the procedural divorce. However, it usually depends upon the financial matters and at what stage this can be concluded.
How much does divorce cost if both parties agree?
We offer a fixed fee to deal with a procedural divorce. This is £600 + VAT and disbursements if you are the applicant and £400 + VAT if you are the respondent. Many solicitors charge an hourly rate, and you could end up paying in excess of £1000 + VAT and disbursements for your divorce.
What are the stages of divorce?
The process begins by lodging your divorce application with the Court. Thereafter, the respondent will receive an Acknowledgment to complete. Once completed, the applicant can apply for the Conditional Order, and finally, the Final Order will be pronounced, ending the marriage.
What is the new divorce law in UK?
The ‘no fault divorce’ was introduced in April 2022 following many years of discussion and campaigning. This has now removed the need to lay blame at either party’s door and is conducive to a financial settlement and, most importantly, arrangements for the children.
What questions should I ask a solicitor about divorce?
The most common questions relate to process and cost. We will explain the divorce process, whether you are the applicant or the respondent, guide you through the process and deal with it on your behalf for a fixed fee.
Our Family Law Team
The family law team will be happy to speak with you regarding all areas of family law, cohabitation, and child law legal matters.
You can find out more about our team by clicking on the links below.
Contact our Solicitors
Langley Wellington is a forward-thinking law firm acting for clients nationwide. Whatever your legal requirements, we are here to help.
Get in touch with our Solicitors today. Call one of our offices on the numbers provided below, or fill out our contact form here.
Gloucester Office: 01452 521 286
Cheltenham Office: 01242 269 998
