From child crime to custody agreements, and maintenance issues, child law is a very broad and complex area. Having a first-class child law solicitor by your side is indispensable.
How we can help
Child law encompasses a broad range of legal principles, statutes, and regulations specifically designed to protect and promote the rights and welfare of children. Above all else, child law aims to prioritise the best interests of the child, uphold their rights, and ensure their safety, well-being, and development are protected under the law.
Neil Kilcoyne Solicitors appear on a regular basis at the sheriff court on behalf of children and parents as a result of allegations against parents or children, concerning a variety of issues. When it comes to your children, we know how stressful legal proceedings can be, and how vitally important it is that the right outcome is reached as smoothly as possible. That’s why we work hard for our clients to provide compassionate legal advice, and expert representation in court to get the best results for caregivers and children.
Children who go into care, can’t always return to live with their parents. In some cases, the courts will decide the best course of action to ensure the child is safe, stable and can grow throughout their childhood in a ‘permanent’ home.
Our expert solicitors at Neil Kilcoyne have extensive experience attending Children’s Hearings across Scotland. We can give advice on preparing for a hearing and can attend a hearing with you, to represent you.
A child protection order is an emergency order sought by the local authority’s social work department at your local Sheriff Court. They can be issued at any time, day or night, and at weekends, to remove a child from circumstances that put them at risk or to put the child in a place of safety.
Our expert solicitors at Neil Kilcoyne & Co can provide legal advice and assistance through any investigatory stage, child protection proceedings, a subsequent Children’s hearing or court proceedings to ensure your rights are protected.
Contact our expert solicitors in family and child law for the best possible advice on supervision order, which impose a duty on the local authority to look after the child. It may require the child to live in a specific place, do certain activities or report to a particular place at a set time.
As we outlined before, child law encompasses a broad range of legal principles, statutes, and regulations. This means that it covers various aspects of a child’s life, including but not limited to:
Having a child law solicitor at your side is crucial when it comes to navigating the complex legislation. An experienced solicitor will ensure that both the child and/or parental figures have the legal advice needed to translate legal jargon into real-terms, and are empowered to feel confident during the legal proceedings. They will guide you through the full span of the process, and fight for the best possible outcome for the child.
If you find yourself in one of the following situations, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible:
From children being accused of committing a crime, parents being accused of mistreating or failing to care for them, to child maintenance issues and issues related to school attendance without a recognised excuse, our solicitors have extensively worked across the entire field of child law.
At Neil Kilcoyne Solicitors, we understand that cases surrounding children can be very sensitive, and it’s important they are handled with professionalism and compassion. No matter which aspect of child law you need assistance with, we’ll be by your side every step of the way, with experienced solicitors based in Glasgow who are ready to take on your case.
The definition of a child in the UK can depend on the jurisdiction, with guidelines established to ensure their protection and rights are upheld. In Scotland, the legal framework, supported by statutory guidance accompanying the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, encompasses all individuals up to the age of 18.
When a young person aged between 16 and 18 requires support and protection, it’s essential for services to assess which legal framework aligns best with their individual needs and situation. Detailed guidance provided by the Scottish Government’s National guidance for child protection offers further insight into this, outlining how professionals should respond to safeguard young people from harm in various situations.
Here’s how a child is defined under the law for the rest of the UK:
These distinctions ensure that young people receive appropriate support and protection tailored to their needs and circumstances. It’s crucial for professionals to adhere to national guidelines to safeguard young people from harm and ensure their well-being is prioritised across different contexts.
We immediately attend police stations anytime, anywhere. If your friend or relative is in custody, or you need urgent help, we are here.
The primary role of a child law solicitor is to ensure that the child’s rights, welfare, and best interests are protected and advocated for within the legal system. Some specific tasks and responsibilities of a child solicitor includes:
At Neil Kilcoyne Solicitors, our expert child law solicitors have years of experience dealing with child-centred cases with compassion and professionalism. We work hard to give our clients the best representation in Glasgow, and wider Scotland.
A child can have their own solicitor, often referred to as a “children’s solicitor” or “child advocate.” In legal matters concerning children, especially those involving custody, care proceedings, or child protection issues, it’s essential that the child’s voice is heard, and their interests are represented. A children’s solicitor acts solely on behalf of the child, advocating for their wishes, rights, and best interests within the legal system.
At Kilcoyne Solicitors, our child law solicitors ensure that the child’s perspective is considered and respected in any legal proceedings that may impact their life.
The court must consider the wishes and feelings of the child in legal proceedings, if the case involves them. While there’s no specific age defined by law at which the court will start listening to the child, generally, from around the age of 11 or 12, the court tends to give more weight to the child’s preferences.
The duration of obtaining a child arrangement order can vary significantly, typically ranging from 6 months to 2 years. This timeline hinges on factors such as reaching a settlement midway through the process, the number of court hearings required, and the necessity for a final hearing.