APPLYING FOR A SPECIAL GUARDIANSHIP ORDER
WE ARE SPECIALIST SOLICITORS FOR CHILD PROTECTION AND CHILD CARE PROCEEDINGS
We are based in Hertfordshire but support and advise families across England and Wales.
If social services are concerned about a child they have a duty to investigate – this could lead to a Child in Need, or Child Protection, Plan. If their concerns remain, or if they believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, they may begin Care Proceedings. As a parent you should be able to apply for legal aid – and our expert solicitors at Bretherton Law can help you at every stage.
A social worker may ask agree to a child living with someone else, possibly while assessments are underway.
SPECIAL GUARDIANSHIP ORDER
As a relative you may be asked to look after that child. This could be an “informal” arrangement, as a kinship carer or through a court order under the Children Act 1989, such as Special Guardianship order.
You should ask for our help.
This is a very complex area of law where you need an expert by your side. It’s an emotional time for you all. We can advise you about the legal implications and pitfalls, the possible solutions and options for support – short-term and longer term.
One order the court can make is a Special Guardianship Order. This grants parental responsibility to non-parents who are caring for children until they are 18 and aims to provide a secure placement, whilst preserving the legal link with the child’s natural birth parents. This enables the special guardian(s) to make day-to-day decisions on behalf of the child, for example in relation to their education and the contact they have with others.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU.
Please get in touch by using the online contact form or call the number above. Provide as much detail as possible about your circumstances so we can advise whether we can help and if, you may be eligible for legal aid.
Contact Us
Our Kinship Carers Services
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LEGAL AID
If you are a grandparent, aunt or uncle or a family friend who is caring for a child and who wishes to apply for a Special Guardianship Order, we can advise you and in certain circumstances, you may be eligible for legal aid. Contact us for more information.
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Legal Advice for Grandparents
Increasing numbers of grandparents are taking an active role in bringing up their grandchildren, filling a gap left by parents who are unable to do the job themselves. This may be due to social problems such as drink, drug or mental health issues. The natural parents may have sought help from within their own family, recognising that they cannot adequately fulfil the role of parent, or social services may have intervened on the child’s behalf. In other circumstances, the ill health , life choices or even premature death of the parents may cause grandparents to become involved. For more information please visit: Legal Advice for Grandparents
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WHY CHOOSE BRETHERTON LAW?
You’ll need a solicitor that specialises in this complex area of law. At Bretherton Law we have a team of specialist solicitors who deal just with child protection issues, from initial social services concern right through to final orders
We are members of the Law Society’s specialist Children Panel, and regularly act for parents, children and other relatives
Our caseloads involve abuse, neglect, non-accidental injury, fabricated illness and cases of child death
Together we have over 60 years’ experience in this difficult area of law
Testimonials
I know this law firm cover many different areas which I would use if I ever needed them. I can never thank Sandra Bradley enough for her professionalism and hours of work over the past 6 months in what was a complex family case. Her support was incredible, she was always honest and never gave false hope. I have every confidence in recommending this law firm and will go back to them if I ever need further help or advice. Thank you once again.
Sandra, thank you for all your help and support. You’ve made it possible for us to be the girls’ special guardian. We are indebted to you.
I know this law firm cover many different areas which I would use if I ever needed them. I can never thank Sandra Bradley enough for her professionalism and hours of work over the past 6 months in what was a complex family case. Her support was incredible, she was always honest and never gave false hope. I have every confidence in recommending this law firm and will go back to them if I ever need further help or advice. Thank you once again.
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