Intervenors
What Is An Intervenor?
Generally, Care Proceedings involve a local authority, parents or persons with parental responsibility and the child/children represented by a court appointed guardian. These are known as ‘parties’ to the court proceedings.
Where allegations are made against people who are not parties to the proceedings, that person may be invited to intervene in court proceedings so that they know allegations have been made and have the opportunity to defend themselves within the proceedings. These additional people are known as ‘intervenors’. Intervenors are often identified early on in proceedings.
Why Am I Being Invited To Intervene in Court Proceedings?
The most common reason a person may be invited to intervene in Court proceedings is where a child has sustained an unexplained injury. In such a situation, a person may be invited to intervene because they have had contact and/or care of the injured child/children in the time period when the injury may have been sustained.
The most common people who may be invited to intervenor are:
- Partners that are not a biological parent
- Extended family members (for example, grandparents, older children that are not subject to the proceedings)
- Friends
- Child-minders
- Nursery staff
The purpose of becoming an intervenor is to ensure that your case is put forward within Court proceedings, and to respond to the evidence and to ensure your voice is heard.
Do I Need A Solicitor?
Before formally being invited to intervene in Court proceedings, you may be asked to file a statement/evidence. We can assist with this process which may negate the need for you to intervene.
If you’ve been invited to intervene in Court proceedings, you should seek legal advice as quickly as possible as any decisions made by the Court (which can be made in your absence) have the potential to impact on personal and professional life.
If you are invited to intervene in proceedings, you will be provided with all relevant Court documents which may include extensive medical reports. An intervenor is expected to attend Court and take part in Court hearings (which may include giving oral evidence or cross-examining other witnesses and/or experts), to prepare statements to give your side of the story and to gather evidence if needed. A legal representative can guide you through the process, can offer advice as to the evidence and can represent you within Court proceedings.
Our dedicated team have considerable experience in handling the most complex cases to include where there are serious allegations of abuse towards a child.
Regardless of the local authority’s reported concerns, our team is here to help you with all aspects of the case. We will support and guide you throughout what is likely to be a complex and emotional journey.
Funding
If you are invited to intervene in Court proceedings, legal aid may be available subject to meeting certain criteria set by the Legal Aid Agency. Our team will explore legal aid eligibility with you from the outset.
If you do not qualify for legal aid, we work on fees tailored to your specific needs, agreeing a fee structure with you directly with no hidden charges as your case proceeds. Costs are always discussed with you beforehand, and our team will provide complete transparency.
Accreditations
Contracted with the Legal Aid Agency.
Get In Touch
- info@brendanfleming.co.uk
- 0800 999 1408
- 165 Newhall Street St. Paul’s Square Birmingham B3 1SW
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