Call local rate
Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm | Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm
Call local rate 0330 383 0319
Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm | Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm
Contact us Contact us
You are here: Home » Family Law » Compassionate child law solicitors » Special guardianship orders solicitors
Call us: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm, Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm

Special Guardianship Order Solicitors

Applying for a Special Guardianship Order (SGO) is a significant legal step – one that carries real emotional weight and has lasting practical consequences for everyone involved. In England and Wales, an SGO is a formal court order that places a child in the long-term care of someone other than their birth parents, granting that person enhanced parental responsibility until the child turns 18. It is a route most often considered when a child cannot safely remain with their birth family, but where maintaining some connection to that family is still in the child’s best interests. Understanding what an SGO involves, who can apply, and how it compares to other legal arrangements is an important first step before beginning the process.

Our team can help you obtain a Special Guardianship assessment, prepare and draft your court application, and represent you at hearings in England and Wales. As the UK’s largest specialist family law firm, with over 90 offices across England and Wales – including London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Sheffield, Bristol, and Cardiff – we have the breadth of expertise and local presence to support you wherever you are.

Ranked by Legal 500 and Chambers, named in The Times Best Law Firms, rated Excellent on Trustpilot, and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, our team combines recognised legal expertise with a constructive, child-focused approach. You can expect clear advice, careful handling of sensitive family issues, and confidence that your case is being managed to high professional standards.

Book free callback

Key Special Guardianship Order Information

Who can apply for a special guardianship order?

If you have a familial connection to the child, by blood or marriage, an agreement with the deceased parents of a child, or a child arrangements order – you may be able to apply for a special guardianship order. This may require the child to have lived with you for at least 1-3 years. For more information on how to deal with your specific case, contact Stowe Family Law today.

How long does special guardianship order take?

After contacting a Stowe Family Law lawyer, you will need to write to the children’s services 3 months before you wish to apply at the court for an SGO. From there, there will be assessment from a social worker and the process may include other steps. The overall length of the process depends on the complexity of your case.

Why seek legal advice for special guardianship orders?

Special guardianship orders legally change the long-term carer of a child. This can be complex, particularly if there are issues associated with familial breakdown. An expert family lawyer will ensure you are prepared for the process and that all applications and hearings are approached correctly.

Related services

Special guardianship icon

Special guardianship

Child arrangements icon

Child arrangements

Child custody icon

Child custody

International child law icon

International child law

Grandparents’ rights icon

Grandparents’ rights

Adoption icon

Adoption

Social services and care proceedings icon

Social services and care proceedings

Mediation icon

Mediation

Special guardianship

A special guardianship order, made under the Children Act 1989, gives someone outside the birth family day-to-day authority to raise a child until they turn 18, while preserving the child’s ties to their birth relatives. It’s a significant commitment, and it’s natural to have questions. Our solicitors explain how the order works, what the local authority report involves, and what it means for your daily life. So, you’ll always know where you stand.

Special guardianship orders solicitors
Special Guardianship - guardian with child on knee researching

Child arrangements

Made under the Children Act 1989, a child arrangements order sets out where a child lives and how they spend time with each parent. It replaces what were previously known as residence and contact orders. When you and a former partner can’t agree, that uncertainty weighs on everyone – including the children. Our lawyers work first towards a settlement you can both live with. Should the matter reach court, we’ll put your case across firmly and fairly, and you won’t face any of it alone.

Child arrangement order solicitors

Child custody

‘Child custody’ is the everyday term for where a child lives and how care is shared – though in England and Wales, this is handled through child arrangements under the Children Act 1989. The legal label may differ from what you expect, but the underlying concern is one we understand well: Keeping your child safe and close to both parents. Our solicitors take time to understand your family before advising. If agreement proves difficult, we’ll support you through every stage.

Child custody lawyers
Child Custody - Father and Daughter talking in kitchen

International child law

International child law covers cross-border disputes, including abduction, relocation, and the recognition of foreign orders, often under the 1980 and 1996 Hague Conventions. These cases can move fast, and that pressure is understandable. Our lawyers act quickly – whether a child has been taken abroad, you hope to relocate, or an order needs enforcing overseas. We’ll work with the right authorities and keep you informed throughout, so nothing catches you off guard.

International family & child lawyers
Blog on international child law

Grandparents’ rights

Under the Children Act 1989, grandparents have no automatic right to contact, but you can apply to the court for permission to seek a child arrangements order. Being shut out from a grandchild’s life is a quiet kind of grief, and more families experience it than you might think. Our solicitors will help you consider mediation, a family agreement, or a court application, whichever suits your situation best, and stay beside you throughout.

Grandparents rights lawyers
Image for blog on grandparents rights

Adoption

Adoption, governed by the Adoption and Children Act 2002, permanently transfers parental responsibility and ends a child’s legal ties to their birth family. Whether you’re hoping to adopt or a child in your care is being considered for adoption, it’s a decision that carries real weight. Our solicitors explain what the process involves, how it compares to other arrangements, and what your rights are. This way, you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Adoption solicitors
Adopting a child

Social services and care proceedings

Care proceedings are brought by a local authority under the Children Act 1989 where there are serious concerns about a child’s welfare, and may result in a care or supervision order. Having social services involved with your family is deeply unsettling, and feeling frightened is entirely understandable. You don’t have to face it alone. Our lawyers act quickly to protect your rights, explain each stage clearly, and help you put your case forward with confidence.

Social services & care proceedings solicitors
Care Proceedings - Stowe Family Law

Mediation

Family mediation is a voluntary process where a trained, impartial mediator helps separated parents reach their own agreement on child arrangements, without going to court. In England and Wales, you must usually consider it before making a court application. It can be faster, less costly, and far less stressful than litigation. It’s typically kinder on the children too. Our solicitors can advise you at any stage, so you go into sessions well-prepared and know exactly where you stand.

Mediation solicitors
is it different to normal mediation - Stowe Family Law

Not sure which service you need?

Use our service selector tool

Find a service
Special Guardianship Orders - Stowe Family Law

What is a Special Guardianship Order?

A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) is a private law order made by the family court under the Children Act 1989. It appoints one or more individuals as a child’s special guardian, granting them enhanced parental responsibility for the child until they turn 18.

That enhanced parental responsibility sits above that of anyone else who holds parental responsibility (including the child’s birth parents) except another special guardian. It means you can make most day-to-day decisions about the child’s upbringing, including matters of education, healthcare, and general welfare, without needing to seek the birth parents’ consent.

A key feature of an SGO is that it does not sever the child’s legal ties to their birth family. The birth parents remain the child’s legal parents, and the order preserves that connection while providing the child with a stable, permanent home. This is one of the characteristics that sets an SGO apart from adoption.

There are some decisions that still require the consent of everyone who holds parental responsibility. These include changing the child’s surname, placing the child for adoption, taking the child abroad for more than three months, and consenting to surgery that does not improve the child’s health, such as certain cosmetic procedures. If consent cannot be obtained, it is possible to apply to the court to decide.

What are the alternatives to a Special Guardianship Order?

When a child cannot live with their birth parents, an SGO is one of several legal arrangements that the family court in England and Wales can consider. The most appropriate option will depend on the child’s circumstances, the nature of the relationship between the child and the prospective carer, and the level of permanence and parental responsibility required.

What are the alternatives to a Special Guardianship Order?

When a child cannot live with their birth parents, an SGO is one of several legal arrangements that the family court in England and Wales can consider. The most appropriate option will depend on the child’s circumstances, the nature of the relationship between the child and the prospective carer, and the level of permanence and parental responsibility required.

  • Adoption

    Adoption is the most permanent option. An Adoption Order transfers full parental responsibility to the adoptive parents and extinguishes the birth parents’ legal relationship with the child entirely. It is well suited to situations where a complete and permanent severance of ties with the birth family is in the child’s best interests. An SGO, by contrast, maintains the child’s legal connection to their birth parents, which can be the right outcome in kinship care arrangements where some degree of family continuity is beneficial.

  • Child Arrangements Order

    A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) sets out where a child will live and who they will have contact with, but it does not confer the same level of parental responsibility as an SGO. Under a CAO, birth parents retain equal parental responsibility alongside whoever holds the order. It can be subject to more regular review by the court and is generally considered a less permanent arrangement. An SGO is intended to provide long-term stability with less ongoing court oversight.

  • Kinship fostering

    Kinship fostering is another option, often used when children’s services are already involved. As a kinship foster carer, you do not hold parental responsibility – that remains with the local authority. You would continue to engage with children’s services and would receive a fostering allowance. The local authority retains the ability to consider whether the child should be reunified with their birth parents if it is considered to be in the child’s best interests. An SGO transfers that responsibility to the special guardian and reduces ongoing local authority involvement once the assessment is complete.

    Each arrangement carries different rights, responsibilities, and long-term implications. If you are unsure which route is right for your situation, our child law solicitors can help you understand the differences and what they would mean in practice for you and the child.

Meet our expert child law solicitors

Get expert advice and support tailored to your situation from our experienced legal team.

< >

Helen Taylor

Partner, Buckinghamshire & Hertfordshire
Divorce Children Collaborative Law Finance
Helen is a Partner in Stowe's Stony Stratford office.
View full bio

Michelle Bowyer

Partner, Oxfordshire & Wiltshire
Divorce Children Cohabitation Collaborative Law
Michelle is a Partner based in our Oxford, Swindon and Bicester offices.
View full bio

Rashmita Vadher

Partner, South Wales
Divorce Children Finance International
Rashmita is a Partner at our Cardiff law office.
View full bio

Chloë Ashman

Senior Associate, London
Divorce Jewish Divorce Islamic divorce Children
Chloë is a Senior Associate based out of our London Victoria office.
View full bio

Rachel Lander

Senior Associate, Buckinghamshire & Hertfordshire
Divorce Children Cohabitation Collaborative Law
Rachel is a Senior Associate in Stowe's Stony Stratford office.
View full bio

Abi Woollaston

Associate, Surrey & Sussex
Divorce Children Cohabitation Domestic Abuse
Abi is a Associate based in our Esher office.
View full bio

Kate Evans

Solicitor, Oxfordshire
Divorce Children Finance Resolution Member
Kate is a solicitor based out of our Oxford office.
View full bio

Lauren Kite

Solicitor, Surrey & Sussex
Divorce Children Cohabitation Finance
Lauren is a Solicitor based in our Guildford office.
View full bio

Madison Barlow

Solicitor, Bristol, Gloucestershire & Somerset
Divorce Children Finance
Madison is a Solicitor at our Cheltenham law office.
View full bio

Semra Ramadan

Solicitor, East Midlands
Divorce Children Cohabitation Finance
Semra is a Solicitor at our Peterborough law office.
View full bio

Zeneb Muneer

Solicitor, Berkshire
Divorce Mediation Legal Assistant Children
Zaneb is a solicitor based out of our Reading office.  
View full bio

Caitlin Hall

Paralegal, Cheshire, Lancashire & Merseyside
Divorce Children Finance
Caitlin Hall is a Paralegal based in Liverpool, working alongside the wider team to support families in this area.
View full bio

Megan Hannan

Legal Assistant, Derbyshire & South Yorkshire
Divorce Legal Assistant Children Domestic Abuse
Megan Hannan is a Legal Assistant based in the Sheffield office.
View full bio
Trustscore 4.7 Excellent
2497 reviews Read our reviews
With over 90 offices nationwide, we're always within reach
Book your free callback View all Stowe lawyers
How can I tell i?f my marriage is over

Who can apply for a Special Guardianship Order?

Certain people have an automatic right to apply for a Special Guardianship Order, while others may need to seek the court’s permission first.

You can apply as of right if you fall into one of the following categories:

  • You already hold a residence order or Child Arrangements Order for the child
  • You are the child’s grandparent, aunt or uncle, sibling (including by half blood, marriage, or civil partnership), or step-parent, and the child has lived with you for at least one year immediately before the application
  • You are the child’s appointed guardian, having been named by a parent or previous special guardian following their death
  • You are a local authority foster carer, and the child has been placed with you continuously for at least one year
  • The child has lived with you for at least three out of the last five years

You may also apply with the consent of either children’s services (where the child is in their care) or everyone who holds parental responsibility for the child, including anyone with a residence or Child Arrangements Order.

If none of the above apply to your circumstances, it is still possible to make an application, but you would first need to seek permission from the court to do so.

All applicants must be aged 18 or over. Before making a formal application, you must also inform the relevant local authority at least three months in advance. This allows the local authority time to prepare a comprehensive Special Guardianship Report, which the court will use to assess your suitability and the child’s needs before reaching a decision.

The process can feel daunting, particularly if you are already in the middle of care proceedings or managing a difficult family situation. Our solicitors are experienced in supporting applicants at every stage – from understanding whether you are eligible to apply, through to representation at the final hearing.

Trustpilot
Trustpilot

We offer an award-winning service

Special guardianship orders are crucial for providing stable care arrangements outside of traditional parenting. Our team excels in navigating the legal intricacies, ensuring secure and supportive environments for children under these unique circumstances.

Maya Bhatiani, Team Leader Partner

Why choose Stowe Family Law?

  • As the only national law firm fully dedicated to family matters, our expert team offers professional advice so you can make a fully informed decision about your divorce.

  • We are proud to be rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot. Check out our reviews to see what our previous clients have said about our service.

  • We feature in The Legal 500 rankings and are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

  • We keep you informed. Take a look at our support section, which features a range of helpful guides, focusing on important topics including finances and mediation.

“
”

Let's ask Ms R M

Rukhma at Stowe demonstrated exceptional knowledge and professionalism in handling my case. As an unmarried mother, I faced a challenging situation, and Rukhma guided me through it with focus and care, always prioritising the best possible outcome. I am extremely grateful for the support and expertise provided.

Let's ask E K

I had to change my solicitors, that's why I met Kate Bouwmeester at Stowe Family Law. I wish I had her as my solicitor from the very beginning. My financial matter was handled by Kate. Also, she gave me advice on children matters. Kate understood what my expectations were and honestly handled the matter cost-effectively. Kate had been brilliant whe… Read moren it came to clarity and details. She was quick with responses. I would highly recommend Kate Bouwmeester if you are looking for a solicitor for your marital conflict. Unlike some other solicitors, Kate Bouwmeester is able to advise on all matters - divorce, finances and children. I believe that these three matters are linked to one another and having one solicitor, rather than two, for all these matters is more efficient and cheaper. Thank you Kate for helping me

Let's ask The 2023 Chambers UK Guide

Congratulations to Helen Miller who maintains Band 3 ranking. Helen Miller is the managing partner at Stowe Family Law for Altrincham, Liverpool and Crewe. She assists clients with financial remedy cases and private law children matters, including abduction cases.

Let's ask Ms M H

Charlotte Brown and the team at Stowe Family Law have been brilliant since day 1. When I came to them I had been contemplating self representation due to costs, but allowing them to help has been worth every penny. When I instructed Charlotte I was depleted and terrified, dealing with a very difficult ex partner and on my own in the UK with no fam… Read moreily support. Charlotte was calm and patient throughout every hurdle and was a listening ear many times. I felt very much shielded from conflict as well as far as possible which I am extremely grateful for. Stowe also have an excellent range of barristers and the ones we used were extremely professional, excellent negotiators and worked to help find logical solutions that would get us closer to the last step. Charlotte alongside the barristers were especially good at also helping me see the bigger picture rather than just telling me what I wanted to hear which in turn has led to a very positive outcome. I still have the last order to get to but we're pretty much there and the solution is the best one for my daughter which was the main focus every step of the way.

Let's ask Ms G N

Thank you for your email, I’m so impressed and happy with how prompt and professional you continue to be!

Let's ask Miss K

I will be forever grateful for what Jemma Slavin and her team in Bristol have done for me and my children. Jemma is a top-class Lawyer that really knows her stuff. She is professional, personable, quick to respond and above all always knew what the right legal advice was, and she was always 1 step ahead of my husband’s Lawyer. It is thanks to her… Read more legal advice and persistence that gave me and my children a better outcome then I could ever have imagined. But most importantly my children can now continue their life growing up with the right support and living in the area familiar to them and close to their school and friends. Could not recommend Stowe enough, they are amazing!

Let's ask Mr W

Helen Miller is a credit to the Stowe Family Law Team! She continually supported me throughout a litigious private child law matter, in which I acquired everything I wanted from the Court, and much more. The shared care arrangements that are now in place are testament to Helen. I would have no hesitation in recommending Helen to anyone that finds t… Read morehemselves in a family dispute. I write this as a very very satisfied customer, and Lawyer... Stowe Family Law are very lucky to have such a wonderful Lawyer working for them.

Let's ask C Cox

Amazing advice from Elizabeth Gray, very helpful, answered every question I needed to know, very comfortable speaking with her, would Highly recommend this lady to anyone going through any sort of situation due parents going through child problems, very happy with all the information she provided for myself!
Find out more about us

Latest advice

How does globalisation affect family law?
International Child law advice
Blog

Emergency court order: A guide to urgent family orders

An emergency court order is a fast-tracked order made by the family court in England and Wales to protect a child or adult at immediate risk. In urgent cases, it can be granted within 24 to 48 hours, and sometimes on the same day. If your family i
Judit Kerese Judit Kerese 7 min read 22 Jul 2026
Can you pay a surrogate in the UK?
Fertility law advice Surrogacy
Blog

Can you pay a surrogate in the UK?

In the UK, ‘commercial’ surrogacy is illegal and you can’t pay a surrogate to have a baby for you. However, you can pay the surrogate mother ‘reasonable expenses’. In this blog, our UK surrogacy specialists explain how to approach the proce
Anna Stinton Anna Stinton 5 min read 24 Jun 2026
Couple sat on a sofa together
Blog

Can I Legally Stop My Ex Introducing a New Partner to My Child?

Finding out that your ex-partner is introducing someone new into your child’s life can be deeply unsettling. Whether you have concerns about your child’s safety, or you simply feel it is too soon, the emotions involved are completely understandab
Rachel Watson Rachel Watson 4 min read 28 Mar 2026
Grandparent's Rights - Stowe Family Law
Grandparents and other guardians Child law advice
Blog

Left Behind: The Hidden Crisis in Grandparent-Grandchild Relationships

Grandparents play a vital role in family stability, but for many, those bonds are vulnerable when adult children separate or divorce. The legal framework provides a pathway to contact, but not an automatic right: as a result, hundreds of thousands of
Zoe Carter Zoe Carter 6 min read 9 Dec 2025
My ex and I can’t agree on our child’s school
Child custody and arrangements Divorce and dissolution advice Child law advice
Blog

My ex and I can’t agree on our child’s school

  What happens when separated parents can't agree on schools? Choosing a school for your child is a big decision for all parents. But for separated parents it can become even more complicated - especially if they don't agree. For some, it can
Maya Bhatiani Maya Bhatiani 3 min read 20 Oct 2025
How to get through Father’s Day when you are a single Mum
Relationships Divorce coaching Divorce process Child law advice
Blog

How to get through Father’s Day when you are a single Mum

“I'm a single mum; this is why I dread Father's Day” As Father’s Day approaches, partner divorce coach Kate Nestor shares her tips to help single Mum’s navigate the day. Solo parenting brings challenges year-round, but the annual Mother’
Kate Nestor Kate Nestor 3 min read 9 Jun 2025
Divorce and dissolution advice Divorce process Child law advice Stowe updates
Blog

Family court fees rise again

From 1st April 2025, for the second consecutive year, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed that Family Court fees in England and Wales will rise. In line with the Government’s proposal that court and tribunal fees should increase to reflect th
Stowe Family Law Stowe Family Law 1 min read 26 Mar 2025
pathfinder pilot in the family courts
Divorce and dissolution advice Divorce process Child law advice
Blog

Pathfinder pilot continues to put children first in the family court

Thousands more children will be supported with the latest expansion of the Pathfinder pilot, and a £12.5m funding boost to encourage information sharing between services in children matters. The Pathfinder pilot originally launched in March 2022
Elaine Morrison Elaine Morrison 3 min read 7 Feb 2025

Maya has expertise in handling a range of complex matters involving children and high-net worth clients.

Date last reviewed: 23/04/2025

Close

Newsletter Sign Up

Sign up for advice on divorce and relationships from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts.

What type of information are you looking for? (Optional)


Read about how we use your data in our Privacy Policy. To opt out at any time, select ‘unsubscribe’ in any of our marketing communications, or email [email protected].

Privacy Policy
Book Free Callback
Close
Close
Close

Podcast:

Please enable marketing cookies to view this content.

Close

Video:

Please enable marketing cookies to view this content.