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Do I have to attend a Pre-Proceedings Meeting?

Yes, you must attend a Pre-Proceedings meeting if you have received a Pre-Proceedings letter. You should seek legal advice as soon as possible after receiving the letter, and a legal representative can attend the meeting with you. Here at Johnson Astills, we have a team of experienced solicitors and paralegals who can provide you with advice and assistance during this difficult time.

Will I have to pay for a solicitor?

No. If you have parental responsibility or are the biological parent of the child who is the subject of the Pre-Proceedings, you are automatically entitled to Legal Help.

What does Pre-Proceedings mean?

When the Local Authority issue Pre-Proceedings, it means that they have concerns about your child’s welfare. However, they want to give you a chance to minimise and erase their concerns before they take your matter to court. Pre-Proceedings is essentially a parents ‘last chance’ to work with social services and professionals to make the necessary changes needed.

What will happen at the meeting?

During the meeting, the contents of the Pre-Proceedings letter you received will be discussed, particularly the concerns that the Local Authority have. You will be told what the Local Authority’s plan is, and what you are expected to do.

There will be ongoing review Pre-Proceedings Meetings usually every 6-8 weeks.

What happens at the end of Pre-Proceedings?

There are three possible outcomes:

  1. The Pre-Proceedings period is extended
  2. Pre-Proceedings ends as the Local Authority deem that significant change has been made
  3. Care Proceedings begin – this means that your case will go to Court

How can Johnson Astills help?

If you have received a Pre-proceedings Letter, please get in touch with Johnson Astills to see how we can assist. Please call us at our office in Leicester on 0116 255 4855 or our office in Loughborough on 01509 610 312 and ask to speak to a member of the Care Team. Alternatively, you may prefer to email us at legal@johnsonastills.com or fill in our enquiry form.

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