Understanding your parental rights can be a tough pill to swallow if your children have been taken into care, but with the right guidance and a firm understanding of your legal rights, this situation can be navigated. The legal experts at Richards & Lewis are able to take you through your rights in a caring and responsible manner, so you’re fully aware of where you stand, and what can be done to rectify matters and come to a happy compromise. Read on and enhance your understanding of everything from care orders, and the intricacies of legal aid.
Care Orders Explained
When the local authority has expressed concerns about a child’s safety, the courts may issue a care order. In order for the court to issue a care order, it must be evidenced that the parent’s care of a child has caused them to suffer significantly, or that the child is in danger of coming into harm of some description. At the conclusion of the care procedure, a number of orders may be made, and every effort will be made to keep the child as close to their family as possible.
Arrangements And Agreements
Unless there are specific reasons why the courts have denied contact, or the courts have subsequently made an adoption order, you will typically still be entitled to see your child if they have been taken from your custody and are the subject of a care order. Children in the local authority’s custody are entitled to reasonable contact with their guardians, parents, or anyone else who has been granted access. Any contact with your child must be thoroughly planned with the local authority, with agreements being made regarding where, when, and how often these interactions will occur.
Disputing Matters
The child’s best interests will always be taken into consideration when a court decides something, but if you think the contact terms you and the local authority have agreed upon aren’t fair, we advise you to first talk to the social worker involved, and consult a family law specialist from Richards & Lewis. When feasible, keeping written records of previous interactions will help, and will also strengthen your case if you have a suggested alternative in mind when voicing any concerns.
Legal Aid
We recognise that having your child placed in the local authority’s care will change your life in a number of ways, affecting employment, relationships and more. You will likely have a lot of questions and financial worries – at which stage legal aid is typically accessible. In these types of situations, regardless of your income, you can often get free legal assistance and find a lawyer with your best interests in mind, who will be able to explain your rights and the next steps.
Searching for ‘law firms near me’? Here at Richards and Lewis, we are qualified local solicitors who have been operating since 1987 and have experience dealing with residential conveyancing issues as well as probate, powers of attorney and divorce. Consistently professional and capable of breaking down complex situations, simply contact us today and benefit from our specialist assistance in Ebbw Vale.