What is a Letter Before Proceedings?

A letter before proceedings is a formal letter from the legal department representing the children’s social services department you are involved with. The letter will set out the concerns they have and what steps you are being asked to undertake in order to avoid going to court. The letter will invite you to a pre-proceedings meeting with a solicitor to discuss this further.

What is a Pre-Proceedings Meeting?

A pre-proceedings meeting takes place when the Local Authority has some concerns regarding you and your children but wants to work with you before the court is involved. At this stage, you are entitled to Legal Aid, and someone can represent you at meetings, advise you on assessments, and discuss proposals made by the Local Authority.

Pre-proceedings are different from court proceedings, as the court is not involved and does not make decisions. You work with the Local Authority to mitigate their concerns to see if your matter can avoid going to court.

If you receive a letter from the Local Authority to engage in pre-proceedings, you will be entitled to Legal Aid.

Disclaimer: The material contained in this fact sheet is for general guidance only. It is specific to the law of England and Wales, and represents a brief outline of the law current as at the date of the fact sheet. It is not intended to constitute, or to be a substitute for, legal advice specific to your case.

Information up to date as at 10/3/23.