Emergency Residence Order - how to find a solicitor?

[FewerBlanketsNow]

DP has been advised by duty childrens services not to return DSS to his Mum at the end of contact tomorrow despite the residence order currently in place while they (CS) decide on a course of action (DSS has disclosed physical abuse which has been taking place over several months).

Childrens Services have suggested he sees a solicitor about an emergency order. Should he just phone round local firms on Monday until he finds one who will see him the same day, or is there some kind of out of hours or rota scheme or similar?

The original order was issued years ago and the solicitor who acted for him then has retired!

Have you anything in writing to show to prove it is not just your dp playing games when he doesn't hand him back?

Not from CS, no - they've raised a file which has been sent to the duty SW for consideration - they said it wouldn't be treated urgent over the weekend as DSS is safe, away from the situation.

Just need to know how to go about finding a solicitor really.

DP knows the risk and that he may have to justify his decision in court at a later date.

You're unlikely to find anyone out of hours. Your best bet is to ring round on Monday morning. Try and find a solicitor on the children's panel, they'll be used to urgent applications and you're less likely to be fobbed off with "I can squeeze you in Thursday."

That said some solicitors websites will have individuals direct email addresses, you might strike lucky and find one checking emails on a weekend!

Good luck!

YOu can ring COmmunity Legal Advice on 9845 345 4345 or look at the Resolution or Law Society websites.

Did you manage to find someone?