Care Proceedings

If you receive notification that Social Services are starting Child Care Proceedings then you should contact us immediately.

The Family Court does not take risks

At Watsons, we have an experienced team who deal day in day out with families who are involved with the Local Authority and Social Services.

It is vital to seek legal advice even if you think you are managing the situation well with Social Services or the Local Authority. Things change quickly and they do have the power to apply to the Court for powers to make decisions to overrule you as a parent or carer for a child. They can only do this if there are grounds that the child is suffering risk of harm but the Family Courts do not take any risks and if there is even a small element of doubt then they will give the Local Authority the power they need, even on a temporary basis.

If Social Services suspect your child is in immediate danger they can take a number of steps to protect your child, including applying for an Emergency Protection Order which will remove the child from your care for up to eight days whilst further investigations are undertaken.

What will happen if social services start Child Care Proceedings?

If you receive notification that Social Services are starting Child Care Proceedings then you must contact us immediately. This first step will involve an initial Court hearing and an Interim Care Order will be made. Timescales are short with an child care matter so it is important to contact us immediately.

It is important you understand what this means and the consequences for your child. We can work with you to ensure you and your child’s best interests are maintained.

Testimonials

What our clients say...

Whenever I have needed legal advice and services I have always received an exceptional service with a clear concise response."

From Receptionist to all staff were very helpful and obliging. Put you at ease. I have already recommended Company to friends."

'Happy with service given, trustworthy.'
'If you want great legal advice, caring nature to assess your problems and get you through difficult parts, choose Danny Hudson and Vicky, who are absolutely brilliant and will look after you.'
'Great service from Watsons and especially Lauren Soutar. Lauren was always just a phone call away whenever I needed her and after a long period of time without seeing my children she got me and them reunited and we haven’t looked back since, all down to Lauren and her hard work in my child access case. Thank you'

Related Services

Based in the heart of Warrington town centre, we are trusted in family law throughout Cheshire.

Meet the Team

Our Advising the Elderly Experts

Catrin Parry Solicitor

Catrin Parry

Partner and Head of the Family Department

Catrin obtained an BSc. Econ. Honours Degree from Cardiff University and qualified as a Solicitor in 1990. She joined Watsons in 2007 and became a Partner in 2008.
Catrin specialises in Local Authority Children Care Work acting for Guardians, parents, grandparents and children. She also handles all other aspects of Family Law, including Matrimonial property disputes. She is a Member of the Law Society Children’s Panel and Resolution.
Danny Hudson

Danny Hudson

Partner and member of the Family Department

Danny has obtained an LLB Honours Degree from Nottingham Trent University. He trained at Watsons and qualified as a Solicitor in 2004. He was made a Partner in 2008.
Danny specialises in all types of Family law work, including Divorce, Matrimonial Property and Maintenance and all aspects relating to Children’s Welfare and Domestic Violence. He is a Member of the Law Society Family Law Panel and shares the role of Marketing Partner with Steve Martin.
Gill Lacie

Gill Lacey

Solicitor and member of the Family Department

Gill joined Watsons in 2018 having practised as a family law solicitor for over 25 years.
Gill joins our family team with a wealth of knowledge in all areas dealing with matrimonial finance, child arrangements, injunctions and care proceedings. Gill’s experience allows her to represent clients in both the Magistrates’ and County Courts. She is a member of the Law Society Family Law panel, a Resolution accredited specialist, and qualified Collaborative lawyer. A recognised expert in her field Gill considers that she tries to find a pragmatic and constructive approach to find a resolution suitable for the client’s needs.
Lauren Soutar Solicitor

Lauren Soutar

Solicitor and member of the Family Department

Lauren obtained her LLB Honours degree in Law & Business at the University of Liverpool, qualifying as a solicitor in 2017. Since qualification Lauren has developed a growing specialism in family law.

Lauren joins our family team specialising in care proceedings, private law proceedings and domestic abuse. Representing parents, grandparents and wide family members. Lauren aims to provide pragmatic, professional and sensitive advice and has vast experience in dealing with complex cases. She has experience in dealing with vulnerable clients and those facing serious allegations of abuse.

Lauren is a member of resolution and hopes to acquire the Law Society’s Children Law accreditation in due course.

Anne Williams Solicitor

Anne Williams

Solicitor and member of the Family Department

Anne obtained an LLB Honours Degree from Newcastle University and completed the Legal Practice Course at Chester College of Law. Qualifying in 1997 she has achieved accreditation to the Law Society Family Law (Advanced) Panel and is a member of Resolution.

Anne has a wealth of experience in a wide range of family law work but specialises in divorce and matrimonial finance cases, in private law children proceedings and in public law care cases. She undertakes work of a complex and sensitive nature and is an experienced advocate.

Anne delivers a friendly, ‘no-nonsense’ and professional service, providing practical, solution-focused advice and robust representation.

How to get in touch with us

Watsons Solicitors

Watsons Solicitors is a trading name of Watsons Solicitors Warrington LLP a Limited Liability Partnership registered in England and Wales registered number OC386012 whose registered office is 13 Bold Street, Warrington, WA1 1DJ.

Watsons Solicitors Warrington LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority number 598547.

Website managed by Outwrite PR, an online reputation management agency
envelope-oclock-ophoneenvelopefaxwpformsvolume-control-phone linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram