Dennis May

Child Care

I am a Solicitor in the Child Care department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors' Harrow Office, having joined the firm in 2011.

I handle a broad spectrum of Public and Private children cases for clients across London and the South East.

My areas of work include assisting both privately funded and publicly funded (legal aid) clients involved in matters relating to; Social services, Section 17, section 47 enquires, child protection conference, legal planning meeting, PLO meetings, PLO outline, letter of issue, s20 agreements, police protection orders, parental responsibility, CAFCASS, EPO, ICO, ISO, s37 reports, care plans, contact with child in care, Family Group Conference, Kinship, Intervenors, joinders, experts and discharge of care orders.

Additionally, Private Adoption (non agency), Adoption and Placement Orders, post adoption contact, opposing an adoption order, Agency adoption.

Further, cases involving Deprivation of Liberty Applications (Human Rights within care proceedings & secure accommodation).

Very often other issues can arise during a case and I am equally advise and assist on; Non-Molestation Orders, Occupation Orders, Protection from Harassment Orders and Domestic abuse on children.

Also, Children Act cases - S8 Children Act Orders (child arrangement orders, specific issues Orders and prohibited steps orders), Special Guardianship Orders, parental responsibility, leave to remove applications, CAFCASS, Rule 16.4 Guardian cases, Section 37 Orders, Family assistance orders, enforcement of Order and Variation of Orders.

I have practised exclusively within the realms of family law for the last 11 years. This includes representing clients in Court from the initial hearing up to the final hearing. This means you have the advantage of the same person advising and assisting you both inside and outside of court.

I am committed to resolving family matters fairly and amicably in a cost effective way. My clients are always my priority.

Instructions can be taken both on a face to face basis and via remote means. This can ensue with an interpreter if required, which I can arrange.

I am a member of the Law Society's Family Law Panel which means I have achieved a high level of competence and knowledge in the area of children and family law.

I am also a member of Resolution which is a Family Law Association for solicitors who are committed to resolving family matters fairly and amicably.