​Protecting children in Somerset

At Alletsons Solicitors, we are accredited Children Law specialists with years of experience supporting families through difficult times. If Children’s Social Care (Social Services) have raised concerns about your ability to care for your child, we are here to help.

Our team includes members of the Law Society’s Children Panel, meaning we are recognised experts and can represent both parents and children where appropriate.

We also support extended family members, including grandparents and step-parents, who may wish to be involved in the child’s care or apply to the court for special guardianship or other arrangements.

Key Stages in Children’s Social Care Involvement

At Alletsons Solicitors, we assist clients at every stage of local authority involvement. You may hear terms such as:

Child Protection Conference
A meeting involving social workers, health professionals, schools and sometimes police, where concerns about a child’s safety are discussed. We can advise and support you before and after these meetings.

PLO (Public Law Outline) Meeting
If the local authority is considering court proceedings, you may be invited to a PLO or pre-proceedings meeting. This is a crucial stage. You are entitled to legal aid regardless of your income, and we strongly encourage you to contact us immediately.
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Care Proceedings
If the local authority issues court proceedings, you may need legal representation at hearings where decisions are made about your child’s care. Our solicitors regularly appear in court and can represent parents, children and other family members.

​Placement or Adoption Proceedings
These are the most serious cases, where the local authority may be seeking to place a child in long-term care or for adoption. We provide clear, compassionate advice and robust representation.

Come to us if:

• Your children are being taken into care
  
• You have been invited to a PLO meeting
  
• Your grandchildren are the subject of care proceedings
  

legal aid

Legal aid is automatically available to parents involved in pre-proceedings (PLO) and care proceedings. In many cases, it is also available to family members such as grandparents. We can quickly assess your eligibility and ensure you get the help you need at no cost to you.
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Please contact us as soon as possible so we can assess your eligibility and provide support without delay.

​Get in Touch

If Social Services have contacted you or you are worried about your family situation, contact us as soon as possible. Early advice is essential.

children law accredited solicitors

contact our family team today