Care proceedings and PLO
Understand what happens when Children's Services raise serious concerns, send a Letter Before Proceedings or apply to court.
BCW Solicitors | Family law guidance
Family Law Advice, Articles & Guides
Practical family law articles and guides on care proceedings, PLO meetings, child arrangements, Legal Aid, domestic abuse, divorce and financial settlements.
Our guides explain common family-law processes, what a court or local authority may consider, and practical steps you can take. Every case depends on its facts; an article is general information, not advice on your individual circumstances.
Browse guidance by issue
Child arrangements and contact
Guidance on where a child lives, time with each parent, C100 applications, Cafcass and urgent arrangements.
Legal Aid
Learn how funding rules differ between public-law care cases and private family proceedings, and what evidence may be needed.
Domestic abuse and protection
Information about safety, protective orders and the effect of abuse allegations on family proceedings.
Divorce and separation
Read about the divorce process and practical decisions when a relationship ends.
Financial remedies
Explore financial disclosure, property, pensions and resolving finances after separation.
Family law articles
Care Proceedings
I've Received a Section 47 Letter — What Does It Mean?
A Section 47 letter usually means the local authority has serious concerns about a child’s welfare. Here is what it means and what parents should do next.
Care Proceedings
When Social Services Get Involved: Care Proceedings Explained
A clear overview of how care proceedings begin, what a local authority must prove, and why early legal involvement matters.
Children Matters
Child Arrangements After Separation: The Complete 2026 Guide
A clear guide to the legal process, practical steps and key decisions when child arrangements break down after separation.
Children Matters
Parental Responsibility: Who Has It & How to Get It
Parental responsibility affects important decisions about a child’s upbringing, schooling, and medical care. Here is what it means in practice.
Financial Settlements
Financial Settlements After Separation: What You Are Entitled To
A practical overview of the factors the court considers when dividing assets, income, pensions and housing after separation.
Legal Aid
Legal Aid: What Qualifies and How to Apply
Legal aid can be available in certain family law cases, but eligibility depends on both the type of case and the financial circumstances.
Children Matters
Special Guardianship Orders: What Family Members Need to Know
A practical overview for grandparents and relatives considering special guardianship when a child cannot remain with parents.
Domestic Abuse Protection
Non-Molestation Orders: How Fast Can You Get Protection?
If you are at risk, urgent protective orders can sometimes be obtained quickly. Here is what courts look for and how to prepare.
Legal Insight
Legal Insight: Family Court Urgent Questions Answered
A practical legal insight briefing answering the urgent questions families ask first when social services or family court become involved.
Legal Insight
How We Support Families Across England & Wales Remotely
A practical guide to how our family law team supports clients remotely across England and Wales, including urgent hearings, legal aid cases, and multilingual advice.
Need advice about your situation?
If Children's Services have contacted you, you have received a C100, or a hearing is approaching, seek legal advice promptly. Funding depends on the type and stage of case; Legal Aid is not automatic in every private children dispute.
Care proceedings advice · PLO and pre-proceedings advice · Child Arrangements advice