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Our aim is to give you the advice which will allow you to make the best possible decisions about your family and the future.
Our approach is to seek agreement wherever that is possible, using court proceedings only as a last resort and never for their own sake. Where it is necessary to litigate, we will represent you with care and vigour.
We will give you sensible and sensitive advice; where we feel that you would be best served by an expert from another discipline, as well as or instead of a lawyer, we can help you identify that person.
We are committed, discreet and professional. |
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Adoption and Special Guardianship |
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We can offer experienced advice about the often daunting process of adoption. In situations where a child is being looked after in another family, but adoption is not appropriate, we can advise about the new regime of special guardianship orders and the support package which families can expect from local authorities.
For a number of reasons, both social and economic, grandparents are increasingly becoming involved in litigation concerning their grandchildren.
They may need to apply for leave to be joined in Section 8 Children Act 1989 applications concerning Contact Orders or Residence Orders. Often they are to be assessed as Special Guardians.
We are able to assist in negotiating with the biological parents or the local authority. We can guide you through the procedures in making any application and represent you in court if it becomes necessary.
In many cases we can provide publicly funded advice (Legal Aid). Whether we can do so will depend on the type of case and on your financial circumstances.
If you have any questions, please email Kevin McGowan or Alison Burt.
Useful Links
British Association for Adoption and Fostering
www.baaf.org.uk
Directgov - general information about adoption
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Adoptionfosteringandchildrenincare/AdoptionAndFostering
Adoption support for would-be adopters
www.adoptionuk.org
Adoption resources and family-finding
www.bemyparent.org.uk |
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