Representing Children in Family Court Proceedings
At Goodman Ray, we have a team of solicitors who are members of the Children Panel Accreditation Scheme and specialise in representing children in family court proceedings, ensuring that their voice is heard.
Children involved in family law cases require sensitive, expert representation tailored to their individual needs. Our experienced team acts in both public and private law proceedings, providing clear, child-focused legal support.
Our experienced team of solicitors can take instructions either though a Children’s Guardian or directly by the child if deemed appropriate. In order to represent a young person directly, the starting point is for a solicitor to determine whether the young person is ‘Gillick competent’, which is whether they are mature enough to make decisions and understand decisions that affect them. Further thought needs to be given to their:
- level of intelligence;
- emotional maturity;
- reasons for wanting to instruct a solicitor, without a guardian;
- understanding of the issues;
Any solicitor assessing a young person will also need to undertake an assessment of risk of harm (to the young person being directly involved in proceedings) and any associated risk of the young person having access to all the documents in the proceedings.
We also have a number of solicitor-advocates in our children team who are able to provide advocacy at all levels of Court to ensure consistency and continuity for our clients. The majority of the team are also members of Resolution.
Our accredited solicitors represent children in matters of public and private law.
Representing Children in Public Law Proceedings
We represent children in public law cases, where local authorities are involved due to concerns about a child’s safety or welfare.
These cases include:
- Applications for Care Orders
- Applications for Supervision Orders
- Special Guardianship
- Secure Accommodation Orders
- Matters under the Inherent Jurisdiction, including Deprivation of Liberty Orders
What are Public Law Proceedings?
Public law proceedings are court cases involving a local authority where there are concerns about a child’s welfare or safety. These proceedings usually arise when the local authority believes a child is at risk of significant harm and may include applications for Care Orders, Supervision Orders, or other protective measures. The court’s primary focus is the best interests and protection of the child.
Representing Children in Private Law Proceedings
We also represent children in private law disputes, usually involving disagreements between parents or family members.
These cases may involve:
- Rule 16.4 Children’s Guardian matters
- Child Arrangement Orders concerning whom the child should ‘live with’ or whom they should ‘spend time’ with.
- Prohibited Steps Orders
- Specific Issue Orders
- Relocation
- Adoption
- Abduction
What are Private Law Proceedings?
Private law proceedings are disputes between individuals, usually parents or family members, about arrangements for a child. These cases do not involve the local authority in a safeguarding role. They typically concern where a child should live, who they should spend time with, or other upbringing matters, including Child Arrangement Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders, and Specific Issue Orders.
Direct Representation of Children
In certain situations, a child may instruct a solicitor directly, without a guardian. This usually depends on their level of understanding and maturity.
We carefully assess whether a child can give instructions independently and provide full support to them throughout the process.
Get in touch with our Representing Children Solicitors
Please get in touch using whichever method is easiest for you. You can use the form on our website and we will contact you back, you may choose to email us at mail@goodmanray.com. Alternatively, feel free to call us on 020 7608 1227 and you will be able to speak with someone who can discuss how we can assist you.
Representing Children Solicitors FAQs
A child is Gillick competent if they have sufficient understanding and maturity to make their own decisions and give instructions to solicitors. The court assesses competence based on the child’s age, maturity, and understanding of the issues involved.
Goodman Ray are specialist children law solicitors with extensive experience assessing and acting where issues of Gillick competence arise in family proceedings. For more information, please contact Goodman Ray on 020 7608 1227 or complete the contact form on their website.
A Care Order places a child under the care of a local authority, which gains parental responsibility and can decide where the child lives. A Supervision Order allows the local authority to monitor and support the child while parental responsibility remains with the parents.
Goodman Ray are specialist children law solicitors experienced in representing children in care proceedings involving Care Orders and Supervision Orders. For more information, please contact Goodman Ray on 020 7608 1227 or complete the contact form on their website.
A Prohibited Steps Order prevents a parent or person with parental responsibility from taking specific actions in relation to a child, such as removing them from the country or changing their school, without the court’s permission.
Goodman Ray are specialist family lawyers with significant experience advising and representing children in proceedings involving Prohibited Steps Orders. For more information, please contact Goodman Ray on 020 7608 1227 or complete the contact form on their website.
A Specific Issue Order asks the court to decide on a particular question relating to a child’s upbringing, such as which school they should attend, medical treatment, or where they should live.
Goodman Ray are specialist children law solicitors experienced in representing children in disputes involving Specific Issue Orders and other welfare decisions. For more information, please contact Goodman Ray on 020 7608 1227 or complete the contact form on their website.
A child can instruct their own solicitor when they are deemed Gillick competent. If they are not, the court may appoint a Children’s Guardian to represent their best interests.
Goodman Ray are specialist children law solicitors experienced in advising and acting for children directly where they are able to give instructions, as well as working alongside Children’s Guardians where required. For more information, please contact Goodman Ray on 020 7608 1227 or complete the contact form on their website.
A Children’s Guardian is appointed by the court to independently assess what is in a child’s best interests. They work alongside a solicitor to ensure the child’s voice is properly considered in proceedings.
Goodman Ray are specialist children law solicitors with extensive experience working with Children’s Guardians to ensure children’s voices are heard and properly represented in court proceedings. For more information, please contact Goodman Ray on 020 7608 1227 or complete the contact form on their website.
The court considers a range of factors, including the child’s wishes and feelings (depending on age and understanding), emotional and physical needs, and the impact of any proposed arrangements on their welfare.
Goodman Ray are specialist children law solicitors experienced in representing children in proceedings where the court must determine welfare and best interests. For more information, please contact Goodman Ray on 020 7608 1227 or complete the contact form on their website.
