Child Care Solicitors
When the local authority has concerns about a child’s welfare, they may start care proceedings to protect the child.
These proceedings aim to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing and often involve the court making critical decisions about their future. This can be an overwhelming and distressing experience for families.
Our Child Law team at Rothera Bray is here to guide and support you through this process with expert legal advice and representation. We’re practiced in representing families in cases involving allegations and complex situations. We work towards the best-possible outcome for you and the child.
Care proceedings and local authorities
If the local authority believes a child is at risk, they have a duty to intervene and may start child care proceedings. This can result in applications for a Care Order or a Supervision Order.
Seeking legal advice as early as possible is essential to ensure your rights are protected. Our child law experts will provide sensitive and dedicated representation, supporting you through each step of the process.
Our child care solicitors
We have significant experience representing parents and other family members in a range of situations, including:
- cases involving allegations of neglect
- situations where family members are accused of injuring or abusing children
- complex cases requiring detailed legal support and representation
Our expertise is valued by Children’s Guardians, so we’re instructed by them to represent children in care proceedings frequently. We’re members of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme (formerly the Children Panel).
Helping you navigate child care law
If social services have become involved with your family, seeking legal advice quickly is crucial.
Legal aid is usually available for cases with social services involvement, but if not, we offer a fixed-fee initial consultation.
This allows us to take the time to understand your situation fully and provide meaningful advice. We’ll ensure that you receive full guidance and a clear legal strategy to go forward with.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you navigate this challenging time.
Send us a message

Ann-Marie Bowman
Partner, Chairwoman & Head of Care
Ann-Marie Bowman is Partner and Chairwoman of East Midlands-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors. Working from our Nottingham and Derby offices, Ann-Marie remains highly committed to her fee-earning work in Family law, dealing with all aspects of children law.

David Berridge
Partner
David has over 30 years’ experience practicing Family Law. He is one of the most experienced family solicitors in Leicestershire and deals with a wide variety of matters.

Sarah Gill
Partner
Sarah is an experienced matrimonial and family law solicitor, dealing with children matters including child care, financial issues following separation of married couples and divorce. She undertakes court work in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Warwickshire. She is based at our Market Harborough office.

Charley Kelly
Associate Solicitor
Charley is an experienced Family Associate Solicitor who specialises in all areas of Family law. She acts for clients on a wide range of family issues including divorce, financial remedy and children matters. She is based at our Leicester office.

Emily Sherwood
Associate Solicitor
Emily Sherwood is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market Nottingham and Derby offices.

Gurpreet Singh
Associate
Gurpreet Singh is an Associate in Rothera Bray’s Child Care department and is based at our Derby office.

Gabriella Kent
Solicitor
Gabriella Kent is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Nottingham Lace Market office.

Skyler Broadhead
Managing Paralegal
Skyler Broadhead is a Managing Paralegal in Rothera Bray Solicitors’ Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market and Derby offices.

Hannah Lilley
Paralegal
Hannah Lilley is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Child Care team and is based at our Lace Market and Derby offices. Hannah specialises in care proceedings and private children law matters.
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Posted 26 August 2025
I went to Rothera Bray solicitors as they accepted Legal Aid, and I needed help with a non-molestation order. I also wanted to apply for a Child Arrangements Order. What started as a simple application soon changed due to the other party’s actions and behaviour. They helped and advised me every step of the way. I was never ignored and always felt like a valued client, even though I was a legal aid client, and I know that isn’t always the case with other firms. They applied for my legal aid on my behalf, which took the strain away from me. My case ran on for 17 months in total, and I was always treated by Skyler and Ann-Marie with importance and respect consistently. My case ended with me having all protective orders and a lives with order until my child is 16. I highly recommend using Rothera Bray, especially if it involves Domestic Abuse. The care and attention you require in those difficult circumstances is exactly what you need. I would go back to them if it were ever needed.
Private Children Law and Non-Molestation Orders client
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Posted 5 August 2025
I’m incredibly grateful for the support and guidance I’ve received from Gabriella throughout the child arrangement proceedings. She approaches every aspect of the case with exceptional care, attention to detail, and genuine empathy. From the very beginning, she took the time to truly understand the unique complexities of my situation and the needs of my children. Her ability to balance legal precision with emotional sensitivity has been invaluable during such a difficult and personal process. What stands out most is how thoroughly she prepares — always referencing relevant case law, anticipating potential challenges, and providing clear, strategic advice tailored to my circumstances. I’ve never felt like just another client; she treats the case with the seriousness and dedication it deserves, and I feel fully supported and heard every step of the way. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone navigating the family court system.
AH
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Posted 22 May 2025
I just wanted to say thank you so much...I truly appreciate all your advice. I wanted to say that we all came away saying how lovely and we all really liked your approach with me. We came away feeling a bit better about things, so thank you.
Anonymous - Family Client
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Posted 15 May 2025
It was a pleasure to have worked with you. I really want to thank you for all your efforts. Thank you so much.
Sadia Hussain
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Posted 12 August 2024
Emily Sherwood is the most professional and kindest most helpful person ever. I can’t thank her enough. Her communication and advice helped me so much whilst I was going through an urgent child arrangement case and I couldn’t recommend anyone better than her. Thank you so much Emily and thank you so much Rothera Bray. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.
M Hanif
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Posted 24 July 2024
Emily Jasmine and Hannah all amazing kept me updated on everything!
Jake Lanson
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Posted 21 June 2024
Me and my partner almost lost our child to adoption but these guys fought and helped us and now she's gone for a special guardianship, so I can't thank them enough. I can't thank Emily Sherwood enough, she's the best, best solicitors, 5 stars!
Leah
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Posted 25 March 2024
I will forever be grateful for what you have done for my daughter and I. The case was stressful from the beginning with the difficulties and challenges placed on me by the local authorities but with your help, support and advice I managed to get through it and get the result that I wanted. Any queries or questions I had, you were able to answer them and clear them up, whenever the local authority would go back on their words or delay their responses, you have been able resolve the issue. You represented me for who I truly am and not the picture that other parties were trying to paint of me. If I come across anybody going through a similar case as mine I would recommend you as their representative.
Abed Ibinimion
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Posted 28 June 2023
Thank you Emily, you have been very helpful, you made the process seem so easy and put our minds at rest , you have been so efficient. You have filed and processed everything to the court much quicker than we thought and for that we are most grateful.
Mr & Mrs Scott
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Posted 28 June 2023
I wanted to thank you for all your support and advice and help you’ve given me. You have made a big difference for our family.
Sharon
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Posted 20 June 2023
Advice and support first class thank you. A special thank you to Jasmine Jackson and Skyler and my barrister Laura.
D
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Posted 12 June 2023
I would like to thank this firm, (especially Jasmine). She is a total Superstar Solicitor for helping me through difficult times and getting the results we all wanted in the end. I would happily recommend this firm, excellent work, excellent staff, very very helpful and a breath of fresh air. All the best.
Zahid Bashir

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