southgate solicitors

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Send your details to us and we will call you back to take further information about your matter.

Your family. Our priority.

We're here to help you

Send your details to us and we will call you back to take further information about your matter.

If you are looking for help with public law outline our specialist solicitors can help you. In addition to office meetings, we offer remote meetings by telephone or video if preferred. To discuss your options call us 24/7 on 0208 004 0065 or email us at hello@southgate.co.uk 

Public Law Outline

The Public Law Outline (PLO) is a set of procedures that local authorities must follow before asking a court to issue a care order or a supervision order concerning a child. The PLO is designed to ensure that all possible measures to avoid court proceedings are considered, focusing on the welfare and safety of the child involved. 

The PLO Process: What to Expect 

If the local authority has concerns about the safety or welfare of your child, they may initiate the PLO process. This begins with the local authority sending you a letter of intent, outlining their concerns and notifying you of their consideration to start court proceedings. This letter also invites you to a pre-proceedings meeting, a crucial step where you have the opportunity to discuss and potentially address the concerns raised. 

Your Rights During the PLO Process 

  • Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to be accompanied by a solicitor at the pre-proceedings meeting. Southgate Solicitors can provide you with experienced legal representation during this meeting at no cost to you. 
  • Opportunity to Respond: The PLO process offers you a chance to understand the local authority’s concerns and respond to them, potentially avoiding court proceedings. 
  • Access to Support: During the PLO process, you may be eligible for support and services to address the concerns raised by the local authority. 

What we can do

At southgate solicitors, we offer comprehensive assistance tailored to your needs throughout your public law outline journey. Our team of experienced professionals understand the intricacies of family law and are dedicated to providing you with the expertise and support you need during what can be a daunting and highly emotional time.  We have Resolution members and also hold Law Society Family Law Advanced Panel Accreditation which demonstrates our knowledge, skill and expertise in this area of law. 

If you wish to read more about this area of law we have some frequently asked questions at the end of this page – feel free to scroll down to read more.

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FAQs

The Public Law Outline (PLO) is a legal framework used by local authorities in England and Wales. It outlines the steps that must be taken before initiating court proceedings for a care or supervision order. The PLO is designed to ensure families are given the opportunity to address the concerns raised by the local authority, potentially avoiding the need for court proceedings. 

A PLO process is initiated when the local authority has significant concerns about the safety and welfare of a child within your care. This process allows for issues to be addressed collaboratively, with the aim of safeguarding the child’s well-being without resorting to court action.

The process begins with the local authority sending you a letter of intent, outlining their concerns about your child’s welfare. You will then be invited to a pre-proceedings meeting, where you’ll have the chance to discuss these concerns and how they might be resolved. This meeting is a crucial step in the PLO process and attending with legal representation is highly recommended.

While you are not required to have legal representation, it is strongly advised. A solicitor can provide you with valuable advice, ensure your rights are protected, and help you to understand and respond to the concerns raised. Southgate Solicitors offer expert legal support during the PLO process, often at no cost to you.

Yes, one of the primary goals of the PLO process is to resolve concerns raised by the local authority without needing to resort to court proceedings. By engaging constructively during this process and addressing the identified issues, it may be possible to avoid court and reach a positive outcome for your child and family.

We're here to help you

Send your details to us and we will call you back to take further information about your matter, or you can click the number below.

We're here to help you

Send your details to us and we will call you back to take further information about your matter, or you can click the number below.