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Care Proceedings & Social Services

Family Law and Child Care Solicitors

The law relating to care proceedings and social services involvement is very specialised. Here at Hopkins Solicitors we recognise that you need the best quality advice and representation when you are involved in care proceedings.

What are Child Care Proceedings?

Care proceedings are when a local authority, or social services become involved in a court case where a child and their family is involved. These proceedings can be extremely worrying and you may feel completely overwhelmed by the process. This is especially true if social services are considering removing your child from your care. We can help at any stage of this process including:

How we can Help

If you are in care proceedings or have been notified that you will be, then Legal Aid is automatic and you will not have to pay us any fees to legally support you.

Our specialist solicitors will guide you through the process and give you clear advice throughout in order to give you the best chance of achieving what you want for your family.

We will advise and assist you from the very first stage, right from when a social worker first gets in touch with you. We will attend child protection, child in need and Public Law Outline (PLO) meetings with you to ensure you fully understand the process.

Child Care Proceedings in Court

In cases where the local authority applies to court for an order, we will advise you and provide you with representation at court. We will help you secure legal aid to ensure you get the best outcome for your family.

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Meet the Team

  1. Charlotte Geeves

    Charlotte Geeves

    Solicitor

  2. Chris Sedgwick

    Chris Sedgwick

    Partner

  3. Claire Morris

    Claire Morris

    Chartered Legal Executive

  4. Kathy Limb

    Kathy Limb

    Paralegal

  5. Lucy Fisher

    Lucy Fisher

    Associate Solicitor

  6. Oliver Parr

    Oliver Parr

    Solicitor

  7. Rebecca Jackson

    Rebecca Jackson

    Director and Solicitor

Testimonials

  • 5 Stars

    Claire was fantastic. She helped me navigate a very difficult time in my life and was extremely patient when I didn't understand the situation or had questions (no matter how silly). She showed compassion to my situation, whilst remaining extremely professional.” 

    , 1st December 2025

  • 5 Stars

    I was going through a really tough time, Libby made the process really easy. She explained everything in great detail. She also made me feel supported throughout the engagement with my employer.

    , 1st December 2025

  • 5 Stars

    “Lucy was not only very thorough and professional but listened to every detail very carefully but also related to my situation. She was honest about possible outcomes of my case and instructed me based on that. Lucy also was very caring to me personally and very sympathetic towards my situation, something she didn’t have to do but a natural caring side to her along with her professionalism made me feel a little easier about the situation which is very comfortable during a very difficult time.”

    , 9th September 2025

  • 5 Stars

    “Communication and responses were all done in a timely manner. Lucy explained everything to me really clearly and answered all my questions if I was unsure about things”

    , 9th September 2025

  • 5 Stars

    Helped me understand things I didn’t really understand and absolutely fantastic service couldn’t thank Charlotte enough

    , 13th October 2022

Related Articles

  1. Care proceedings Court of Appeal win

    Care proceedings Court of Appeal win

    Hopkins Solicitors (instructed for the children) have acted in the recent Court of Appeal case of Re P and E…

  2. Have you received a letter from Social Services?

    Have you received a letter from Social Services?

    What to do when you receive a letter before proceedings? A letter before proceedings is usually sent to a parent…

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