Practice Areas
Child Care Law
When children are involved, the stakes are different. Courts focus on what is best for the child, not what parents want or what seems fair to adults. We help you understand how decisions will be made, prepare your case thoroughly, and present it in a way that focuses on your child's welfare.
From care proceedings and contact disputes to adoption and maintenance, we represent parents, grandparents, and family members in matters where children's futures are at stake.
Our Services
How We Can Help
Child Care Law
Adoption
Adoption is permanent. An adoption order gives parental responsibility to the adopters and ends it for everyone who held it before, and the child is treated in law as their child. It is not a stronger form of a child arrangements order, and for many families a different order is the one that fits.
The court must treat the child’s welfare throughout their life as the paramount consideration, and it will not make an order at all unless doing so is better for the child than not doing so. Where a parent does not consent, the court may only dispense with that consent where the child’s welfare requires it, which the higher courts have described as a last resort.
Which of the following describes your situation changes the procedure, the evidence and who else has to be involved.
Adoption through an agency
The child is placed with the adopters by an adoption agency, usually after care proceedings and a placement order. The local authority and the agency lead the assessment, and their timetable is not one a solicitor sets.
Step-parent and other adoption without an agency
The child already lives with the applicant. Notice has to be given to the local authority before an application is made, and the child must have lived with the applicant for a minimum period that differs from an agency case. This is where a different order is most often the better answer.
Where a parent does not consent
The court is asked to dispense with consent. This is the most demanding route, and it is decided on whether the child’s welfare requires it rather than on whether adoption would be an improvement.
How adoption work is funded
Legal aid here depends on which side of the case you are on. If you are a parent, or you hold parental responsibility, and you are opposing a placement order or an adoption order, legal aid for representation is not means tested, though a merits test still applies.
Everyone else is assessed on both means and merits, including a step-parent or relative applying to adopt. Advice given before proceedings start is assessed on means and merits whoever you are.
Funding Your CaseOur Approach
How We Work
Child cases move quickly and decisions have lasting consequences. We prepare thoroughly, communicate clearly, and keep the focus where the court keeps it: on the child.
Child-focused preparation
Courts decide based on what is best for the child. We build your case around that principle, not around what feels fair to you as an adult.
Strong evidence gathering
We work with social workers, Cafcass officers, and experts to gather the reports and evidence that will support your position.
Meeting court timelines
Child cases have strict deadlines. We prepare documents on time, respond to directions promptly, and keep your case on track.
Practical guidance throughout
We explain what is happening, what to expect at hearings, and how to present yourself so you feel prepared, not blindsided.
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Related Practice Areas
Child law matters often overlap with family disputes and immigration issues. Explore how we can help across connected areas.