Child Law

Our team of child law solicitors at Bridge McFarland LLP understand how important it is to protect the needs and interests of a child and how stressful disputes involving children can be.

There are also instances where children need to be safeguarded from abduction and child abuse and, in some cases, protected by the courts.

When resolving children matters, the focus will be the welfare of the children and ensuring that whatever steps are taken will be in their best interests.

We have a dedicated team of specialist child law solicitors at Bridge McFarland LLP. We are on hand to offer expert advice and guidance in this complex and sensitive area of law. We can represent you in all aspects of Private Law Children Act work, including contact matters, residence, parental responsibility, and specific issues. We can also represent you in all aspects of public law proceedings.

Child Law Solicitors Lincolnshire

When a relationship breaks down, we understand that the children involved are the most crucial element. If you cannot reach an agreement with the other party, we are here to provide you with advice and assistance on the most appropriate way forward for all involved.

Our team of experienced childcare solicitors includes solicitors who are Children Panel Members and can therefore represent not only parents but also children themselves. Children can instruct us through their Children’s Guardian appointed by the courts or directly if they are of sufficient age and have the mental capacity and understanding to do so. Our instructions come not only from parents and children but also from Children’s Guardians employed by CAFCASS (the ‘Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service’).

Based in Lincoln and Grimsby, we are situated in easy-to-reach locations and can help clients across Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire.

Our Childcare Law Services

Bridge McFarland LLP’s childcare solicitors are primarily involved in public law cases. These are cases in which the local authority social services department often seeks to intervene in a family’s life by placing children in care or with other family members. The team has become increasingly involved in private law cases where there are disputes between parents over contact and residence or other matters, and the court orders that the child be independently represented by him or herself.

We can assist in various child law issues and have the experience to know how to handle matters considerately and sensitively. We can help with child law matters including but not limited to:  

• Childcare proceedings 
• Relocation 
• Child Abductions 
• Parental Alienation 
• Maintenance Claims 
• Child Arrangements arising from breakdown of marriage
  
• Wardship cases
• Child abuse

Legal aid is available on a non-means, non-merits, tested basis in proceedings brought by the Local Authority care order and supervision order applications. Legal aid is also available on a non-means, non-merits, tested basis in certain abduction cases. Our team will work with you to ensure you are fully aware of all the steps involved, guiding you on your options, including your eligibility for legal aid.

This area of work is incredibly stressful and potentially heart-breaking for many of our clients. Accordingly, we strive to offer not only the best possible legal advice but also the support and help often needed by our clients to get through a challenging time in their lives.

Get in touch with Childcare Solicitors today

If you think that we can help you or someone close to you we will be happy to arrange a preliminary meeting, just get in touch.

Other Legal Services

We can also provide specialist legal advice on other areas of law that may be relevant when dealing with a child law matter, such as Divorce and Separation, Financial matters, Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Estate Management, and Conveyancing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Child Law