Recent training courses have indicated the beginnings of claims being considered for Level 2 Family Public Law standard fees.

This claim for "negotiation" can be made when acting for a parent, or someone with parental responsibility, in S 31 proceedings when the Local Authority has provided written notification of their intention to issue proceedings. It seems that the first batches of such letters have now been issued.

Last week the problem was the lack of the Local Authority number required for final reporting on the CMRF on what was assumed to be the appropriate standard letter. Todays correspondent draws my attention to the structure of the letter and provides confirmation from the LSC that this indeed will justify a Level 2 claim. From his outline it seems to me that one of the key phrases is "gateway meeting". If you want further information give us a ring.