Children's Safeguarding & Family Proceedings Solicitor
Protecting children is at the heart of everything we do. Our specialist solicitors in Tunbridge Wells provide expert legal support to ensure that children's welfare remains the court's paramount consideration in every family proceeding.
When families go through separation or breakdown, children can be caught in the middle. At CVG Family Law, we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and heard. Our experienced children's solicitors work tirelessly to ensure that arrangements are made in the best interests of the child, not the convenience of the adults.
Whether you are seeking to formalise contact arrangements, respond to care proceedings brought by a local authority, or apply for special guardianship of a child you care for, we provide clear, compassionate, and robust legal representation at every stage.
Types of Children Proceedings
The Children Act 1989 provides the legal framework for resolving disputes about children in England and Wales. The court's overriding principle is that the child's welfare is paramount. We can assist with the following types of proceedings:
Child Arrangements Orders
Formerly known as residence and contact orders, a child arrangements order determines who a child lives with and how much time they spend with each parent. We help you reach arrangements that genuinely serve your child's best interests, whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings.
Specific Issue Orders
When parents cannot agree on a specific aspect of their child's upbringing (for example which school they attend, whether they can travel abroad, or medical treatment decisions), a specific issue order asks the court to make that decision. We guide you through the process clearly and efficiently.
Prohibited Steps Orders
A prohibited steps order prevents a parent from taking a particular action without the court's permission. This is commonly used to prevent a child being removed from the country, a change of name, or a change of school. We act quickly to protect your child when there is a risk of unilateral action.
Care Proceedings
When a local authority is involved in your family's life, the stakes are incredibly high. Whether you are a parent responding to care proceedings, a grandparent seeking to care for a child, or a connected person being assessed, we provide robust representation to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Special Guardianship Orders
A special guardianship order gives a non-parent (often a grandparent, relative, or family friend) legal responsibility for a child. Unlike adoption, the child's legal relationship with their birth parents is maintained. We advise on both applications and responses to ensure the child's welfare is paramount.
Parental Responsibility
Parental responsibility gives a parent (or other individual) the legal right to make decisions about a child's upbringing. We advise on acquiring, challenging, or understanding parental responsibility in all its forms, including through parental responsibility agreements and court orders.
Safeguarding in Domestic Abuse Cases
When domestic abuse is a feature of a family case, the court must follow Practice Direction 12J, which sets out how allegations of harm should be investigated before any decisions are made about child arrangements. This is a critical safeguard, and we ensure that it is properly applied in every case.
Children who witness domestic abuse are recognised as victims in their own right under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. We take this seriously and ensure that the court has a full picture of the impact of abuse on your children.
Fact-Finding Hearings
Where allegations of domestic abuse are made, the court may hold a fact-finding hearing to determine what happened before making any decisions about child arrangements. We prepare thorough evidence and represent you through this critical process.
Section 7 & Section 37 Reports
The court may order Cafcass or the local authority to investigate and report on a child's circumstances. A Section 7 report looks at welfare, while a Section 37 report examines whether the local authority should take further action. We ensure these reports are properly scrutinised and challenged if necessary.
Supervised Contact
Where there are safeguarding concerns, the court may order that contact takes place in a supervised setting, either at a contact centre or with a trusted individual present. We advocate for arrangements that keep children safe while maintaining important family relationships.
Risk Assessments
Cafcass carries out safeguarding checks and risk assessments at the start of proceedings. These involve checks with police, social services, and other agencies. We ensure that all relevant information is brought to the court's attention and that assessments are thorough and accurate.
How Children's Voices Are Heard
The family court takes the wishes and feelings of children very seriously, particularly as children get older. There are several ways in which a child's voice is brought into proceedings:
Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service)
Cafcass officers are appointed by the court to represent children's interests. They meet with the child, the parents, and other relevant adults, and produce reports that include the child's wishes and feelings alongside professional recommendations. We work constructively with Cafcass while ensuring their reports are thorough and fair.
Wishes and Feelings Reports
In some cases, the court may order a more detailed wishes and feelings report, particularly for older children. This gives the child a structured opportunity to express their views about living arrangements, contact, and other important decisions affecting their lives.
Children's Guardian
In care proceedings, a children's guardian is appointed to independently represent the child's interests. The guardian instructs a solicitor on the child's behalf and provides expert recommendations to the court. We work closely with guardians to ensure the best outcome for the child.
How We Work With You
Free Consultation
A confidential conversation to understand your family situation and your child's needs.
Case Assessment
We review the circumstances, identify safeguarding concerns, and assess the best legal route.
Legal Strategy
We develop a clear plan, explaining court processes, timelines, and likely outcomes.
Action & Support
We file applications, liaise with Cafcass and social services, and represent you at every hearing.
Resolution & Stability
We work towards arrangements that provide long-term stability and safety for your child.
Free Consultation
A confidential conversation to understand your family situation and your child's needs.
Case Assessment
We review the circumstances, identify safeguarding concerns, and assess the best legal route.
Legal Strategy
We develop a clear plan, explaining court processes, timelines, and likely outcomes.
Action & Support
We file applications, liaise with Cafcass and social services, and represent you at every hearing.
Resolution & Stability
We work towards arrangements that provide long-term stability and safety for your child.
Related Services
Children's matters often arise alongside other family law issues. We provide comprehensive support across all related areas:
Ready to Take the First Step?
We understand how daunting this can feel. Our free 30-minute consultation gives you the opportunity to speak with a specialist solicitor, in complete confidence, with no obligation.
Or call us on 07984 782 713