Practise Areas

Public Law & Care Proceedings

Care proceedings arise when a Local Authority (social services) becomes concerned about a child’s safety or welfare—commonly involving risks of neglect, emotional or physical abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, non-accidental injuries or a combination of factors. The authority may seek an interim care or interim supervision order so it can assume certain parental responsibilities while the case is determined. If a final care order is made, the Local Authority will hold parental responsibility (PR) until the child turns 18.

Such intervention can be distressing. Having a reliable, consistent team from the outset is crucial. Gordon & Co will be your legal partner—advising, preparing evidence and advocating firmly for you and your child.

Private Children & Arrangements

When parents separate, decisions about children can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. We prioritise the child’s welfare while helping you reach workable, durable arrangements.

• Child Arrangements Orders: who the child lives with and how time is spent. We aim to resolve matters constructively; where agreement is reached, we help formalise it via a detailed Parenting Plan and, where appropriate, a draft order for court approval.
• Specific Issue Orders: decides a particular question of upbringing (e.g. education, medical treatment, religion, travel).
• Prohibited Steps Orders: restricts a person from taking a specific action (e.g. removing a child from school or the jurisdiction) without consent or court permission.

If direct negotiation is not possible, we guide you through alternative pathways, and where necessary, provide robust representation in court—keeping you informed and supported at each stage.

Adoption: we can advise on adoption-related steps and liaise with professionals—please contact us to discuss your circumstances.

Domestic Abuse & Protection

Domestic abuse includes physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse, coercive/controlling behaviour and financial abuse between individuals aged 16+ who are personally connected. It takes courage to seek help; we listen, act swiftly and prioritise your safety.

• Non-Molestation Orders: protective injunctions prohibiting harassment, threats or violence. Typically granted for 6–12 months (extensions possible).
• Occupation Orders: regulates who can live in or be excluded from the family home; we prepare evidence and present urgent applications where needed.
• We also coordinate with child arrangements, Specific Issue and Prohibited Steps applications where protection and welfare issues overlap.

Court of Protection & Deprivation of Liberty (DoL)

For adults (and some children) who lack capacity to make decisions at the time they need to be made, we advise on welfare and property/affairs matters, capacity assessments, best-interests decision-making and DoL issues.

Our team prepares applications, engages with professionals, and ensures that measures are lawful, necessary and proportionate—focused on dignity, safety and least-restrictive outcomes.

Special Guardianship & Wardship

A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) confers shared parental responsibility on appointed guardians—often grandparents, relatives or trusted family friends—where a child is living outside the birth parent’s care. We advise on assessment, support and practical arrangements.

Wardship (High Court) places a child under the court’s protection; it can impose safeguards and oversee key decisions. We prepare evidence, act swiftly and coordinate with authorities.

Family–Immigration Crossovers

When status, residence or international elements intersect with family proceedings, we align strategy across both areas, manage evidence and ensure a consistent narrative that supports the child’s welfare and your case.