Phillips Solicitors Blog
Practical guides from our solicitors on criminal defence, family law, conveyancing, and wills and probate.
A Guide to Care Proceedings
How care proceedings begin, what the Family Court considers, what is expected of parents and the practical steps to take. From our Mansfield family team.
Understanding the Public Law Outline (PLO)
What a PLO letter means, what happens during the pre-proceedings process and why early legal advice may help avoid care proceedings.
Legal Aid in Care Proceedings Explained
When parents are entitled to free legal representation in care proceedings, PLO and child protection cases, and what to bring to your first appointment.
What Happens at a PLO Meeting?
Who attends a PLO meeting, what is discussed, how parents can take part and what happens afterwards. Practical guidance from our family team.
Special Guardianship Orders Explained
What a Special Guardianship Order is, who can be considered as a special guardian, what the assessment involves and the support to ask about.
Interim Care Orders
What an Interim Care Order is, when the local authority may ask for one, what it can mean for your child and why the interim hearing matters.
Grandparents and Family Members in Care Proceedings
How grandparents and other relatives can come forward as carers in care proceedings, the assessments involved and the commitment to think about.
Why Making a Will Is Not Just for Later Life
Why a Will matters at any age, the life events that should prompt you to make or review one and the practical points to think about first.
Child Protection Conferences: How to Prepare
What is discussed at a Child Protection Conference, how to prepare and why early legal advice can help stop a case moving towards court.
Mirror Wills: What Are They and When Are They Suitable?
What Mirror Wills are, when they suit couples, when extra care is needed and a common misunderstanding about changing them after the first death.
Intestacy Explained: What Happens If There Is No Will?
How the intestacy rules work when someone dies without a valid Will, who is affected most and the practical steps for families after a death.
Mirror Wills and Mutual Wills: What Is the Difference?
The difference between Mirror Wills and Mutual Wills, why Mutual Wills are rarely the best option and how to choose the right arrangement.