Law Relating to Children

Children law issues generally fall into one of two general categories:

• Private Law where there is a disagreement between parents, grandparents or other family member in relation to the children and can include:
  • where the children should live
  • how much time they spend with the other parent or relocation
  • parental rights and responsibilities including education and schooling
  • spending time with the children
• Public Law involves a third party, typically a Local Authority, and includes matters such as Public Law Outline and Care Proceedings

Private Law

Family relationships at times can be strained which may result in changes in or requests to change arrangements concerning your children or grandchildren. If you are concerned about any changes that have happened or are about to take place, we recommend you contact us for some expert legal advice.

We can help you with:

• your rights as a parent or grand-parent
• how often parents and/or grand-parents can see their children/grandchildren
• where and with whom the children should live
• concerns about the children’s upbringing and/or schooling arrangements

If you have any questions our expert team are available for your call.

Childcare and Social Services (Public Law)

If someone has raised concerns about the welfare of a child, Social Services have to investigate. No matter how you feel about Social Services’ involvement, getting expert legal advice at the outset is the most important thing you should do and we are here to help.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent or other family member, we will be able to help with straightforward practical advice during this very stressful time. Generally speaking, any person involved in such issues are entitled to funding from the Legal Aid Agency. This will be dicussed at the outset.

With years of experience in childcare law, we understand the process and we can represent you during any investigations, interviews and meetings with Social Services. Should Social Services issue court proceedings to remove a child from your care, we will support you thoughout the process including any court hearings. Peter Scholey is a member of the Law Society Specialist Children Law Panel.

Our Children Law Team

Peter Scholey - Director

Holly Dixon - Solicitor

Sarah Squires - Secretary/Assistant