Special Guardianship Orders

What is a Special Guardianship Order?

A special guardianship order is an order which confers parental responsibility on the special guardian and allows the special guardian to exercise his/her parental responsibility to the exclusion of any other person with parental responsibility (usually the parents).

Do you need a Special Guardianship Order?

  • If you have volunteered or have been asked to permanently look after a child, you may need a special guardianship order to enable you to make decisions concerning the child's upbringing without interference.
  • A special guardianship order may be more appropriate than a residence order because a special guardian has the power to exercise parental responsibility to the exclusion of others who share parental responsibility, unlike a residence order.
  • A special guardianship order may be more suitable than a long-term foster placement or adoption because the special guardianship order may allow the child to remain living with extended family and maintain regular contact with his/her parents.

How we can help

We can assist you in bringing or defending an application for a special guardianship order through the courts. We will advise you about whether you need to apply for leave of the court before making the application, and serve notice on the local authority of the intention to make the application who are required to prepare an assessment upon the suitability of the applicant and detail any support services offered.

Fixed fee court application

If you wish to apply for a special guardianship order we charge a fixed fee of £400 + vat (£80) + court fees (£200 only payable by the applicant), total £680. This covers the preparation of the application and all work up to and including representation at the first court appointment.

If your case continues after the first appointment we will discuss with you the further costs involved and either offer a further fixed fee or charge you on a time basis at our competitive rate. Please refer to our fixed fees page for further details.

Need further advice?

f you need more detailed advice about applying for a special guardianship order call us on (01228) 829530 to arrange an initial consultation or request a free call back.