Special Guardianship Orders
Special Guardianship Orders – Legal Support For Guardianship & Child Care
A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) is a legal arrangement that grants an individual long-term parental responsibility for a child, providing them with stability while maintaining links with their birth family. If you are caring for a child who cannot live with their parents, an SGO may offer the security and legal authority needed to make significant decisions about their upbringing.
At Joymont Legal, our specialist family law team have extensive experience guiding guardians, relatives, and foster carers through the Special Guardianship process. Whether you are considering applying for an SGO or need assistance navigating the legal system, our team provides tailored legal support to secure the best possible outcome for you and the child in your care.
What Is A Special Guardianship Order?
A Special Guardianship Order is a legal order made by the Family Court, appointing an individual (or individuals) as the child’s Special Guardian. This arrangement is often sought by relatives, foster carers, or close family friends when a child is unable to live with their parents but does not require adoption.
Unlike adoption, an SGO does not sever the child’s legal ties with their birth family, allowing them to maintain relationships while giving the Special Guardian legal authority over key decisions in their life.
Who Can Apply For A Special Guardianship Order?
You may be eligible to apply for an SGO if you are:
✔ A relative or family member caring for the child
✔ A foster carer who has cared for the child for at least one year
✔ A guardian or individual with an existing Child Arrangements Order
✔ A step-parent or close family friend who has lived with the child for at least three years
If you are unsure whether you qualify, we can assess your circumstances and guide you through the process.
Rights & Responsibilities Of A Special Guardian
A Special Guardian has enhanced parental responsibility, which allows them to:
✔ Make decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and welfare
✔ Determine the child’s day-to-day living arrangements
✔ Apply for permission to take the child abroad for extended periods
✔ Protect the child from interference by the birth parents
However, certain decisions, such as changing the child’s surname or placing them for adoption, still require the court’s approval or consultation with the birth parents.
Why Choose Joymont Legal?
Securing an SGO can be complex, especially when dealing with parental disputes, social services assessments, or contested applications. Our Special Guardianship Order team provide expert legal advice to ensure your case is handled professionally and efficiently.
- Experienced in Family Law – Decades of expertise in handling complex guardianship cases.
- Tailored Legal Support – A personalised approach that puts the child’s welfare first.
- Affordable & Transparent Pricing – Flexible payment options, including fixed fees.
Take the First Step Today
If you are considering applying for a Special Guardianship Order, we can provide clear legal guidance to support your case. Contact Joymont Legal today to discuss your situation in confidence and secure the best future for the child in your care.
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Special Guardianship Orders (SGO)
FAQ's
A Special Guardianship Order is a legal order granted by the family court that gives an individual long-term parental responsibility for a child who cannot live with their birth parents, but does not require adoption.
You may be eligible to apply if you are:
- A relative or family member caring for the child
- A foster carer who has cared for the child for at least one year
- A guardian or individual with an existing Child Arrangements Order
- A step-parent or close family friend who has lived with the child for at least three years
Special Guardians have enhanced parental responsibility, allowing them to make key decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and daily welfare. However, major decisions like changing the child’s surname or adoption still require court approval.
Unlike adoption, an SGO does not sever the child’s legal ties with their birth parents. The child remains legally connected to their birth family but lives under the care of the Special Guardian.
Birth parents can apply to the court for permission to challenge an SGO, but they must demonstrate a significant change in circumstances to be granted a hearing.
Our expert legal team provides:
- Full guidance on the SGO application process
- Support in preparing court documents & evidence
- tailored legal advice to ensure the best outcome for you and the child.