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.

Child law specialists with extensive experience representing parents and family members in court
We listen to your situation, explain your options, and provide legal advice and support at every stage
We understand how difficult this time can be and provide emotional and legal support throughout the process
Contact our Child Care Team
Based in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire

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Anne-Marie Bowman, Family Law Partner

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, Leicester family law partner

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, Family Law partner at Rothera Bray

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 in the Family Department

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, Solicitor in Rothera Bray's Family and Children Law department

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 in Rothera Bray's Child Law Department

Gurpreet Singh

Associate

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

Gabriella Kent, Child and Family Law Solicitor

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 in our Family Law team

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 in Rothera Bray's Child Care department

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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