Care Law
We have experienced solicitors who specialise in cases relating to children where social services are involved. We can help you if:
- you're a parent or other relative who fears for the care of a child
- you're a child who needs some advice about a case that concerns you
- your local authority has applied to court for an order that a child be placed under their care or supervision
These are obviously very serious matters and it's important that you seek advice at an early stage. We'll assist you, negotiate with the local authority and represent you in court if necessary.
We can also advise you on the role of experts and other organisations such as the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS).
Contact our expert team for more information and advice.
Our Care Law Team
- Nick Middleton
Solicitor
Nick qualified as a Solicitor and joined Harland & Co in 2016 having spent 6 years as a legal caseworker dealing with a wide range of family law matters, with a focus on children law proceedings (both private & public) and domestic violence.
An experienced care practitioner in care proceedings at all court levels, Nick has dealt with complex cases involving children as witnesses, detailed medical evidence and all aspects of matrimonial and children law. He is an accredited member of the Law Society Children Panel since 2018.
Nick is based in our family team and takes a compassionate and pragmatic approach to what are often highly sensitive and emotive matters for clients.
More about Nick Middleton
- Amanda Williams
Solicitor
Amanda qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 joining Harland & Co in March 2020. She is a member of Resolution and has specialist expertise in private and public law children matters.
Amanda provides professional, constructive advice and support to clients at a time of need. She maintains a friendly and firm approach with the aim to achieve the most positive result for her clients and their families.
More about Amanda Williams
- Sally Lees
Solicitor
Since qualifying as a Solicitor in 2007, Sally has specialised in family law, primarily in Care Proceedings helping parents where the Local Authority is involved with their family. Sally assists at all levels of Local Authority involvement, advising from the early stages such as Child in Need and Child Protection through to PLO and Court proceedings when the Local Authority seeks to remove children from their parents' care.
Sally takes pride in guiding and supporting her clients through what is an extremely difficult time whilst providing professional and constructive advice to ensure the best possible outcome.
More about Sally Lees
- Sarah Clarkson
Solicitor
Sarah is the most recent Solicitor to join our growing Family & Care Team. Sarah qualified as a Solicitor in 2007 joining Harland & Co in March 2022. She deals with all aspects of Children’s Law with an emphasis on private children law matters.
Sarah is an active member of the Law Society’s Children’s Panel.
More about Sarah Clarkson
- Minnie Grayson
- Minnie is a paralegal who supports our Care Department and prides herself in assisting clients through Children Act proceedings alongside our solicitors. She is also responsible for the department's Legal Aid billing.
Minnie is currently studying Law at the University of Law as a Solicitor Apprentice. She studies one day a week alongsider her work with a view to qualifiying as a Solicitor in 2028.
More about Minnie Grayson
- Paige Harvey
- Paige is a paralegal who assists our family and care departments.
She joined Harland & Co in 2023 and has over 5 years experience of dealing with a wide range of family matters such as divorce, finances, children and change of name deeds.
Paige is a CILEX student and hopes to qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive in the future.
She is also a member of Resolution and sits on the committee of the Junior Lawyers Division in York.
More about Paige Harvey