What is a Special Guardianship Order?
A Special Guardianship Order gives a Special Guardian the ability to make decisions regarding the day to day care of a child or young person, including making decisions about aspects of their upbringing, such as their health and education. This Special Guardian could be a relative such as an aunt, uncle, grandparent or godparent, or a close family friend.
In situations where a child cannot live with their birth parents, but adoption is also not suitable, a Special Guardianship Order can be made.
Under a Special Guardianship Order the birth parents retain their legal parental responsibility but they are limited in their ability to exercise this. As a result, unlike adoption where once the child is adopted the legal relationship between birth parents and child ends, a Special Guardianship Order allows the relationship between child and birth parents to stay intact. The Special Guardian however has enhanced parental responsibility for the child and can make most decisions without the consent of the parents with parental responsibility.
Why use Rotheras for Special Guardianship Orders?
We can advise on your suitability as a Special Guardian.
We can assist with applications for Special Guardianship Orders, includingcollating the relevant information and preparing the application.
We are on the Law Society Children Law Accreditation Scheme (also known as the Children Panel).
We can advise on situations where conflict has arisen between the birth parents and Special Guardian.
We can advise special guardians in situations where they are looking to adopt the child under their guardianship, change their surname or relocate them for more than three months.
We can help you with:
- Special Guardianship Orders
- Child Arrangement Orders
Send us a message

“We handle clients with sensitivity and understanding throughout”
Ann-Marie Bowman
Partner
Posted 01/27/2020
This was my first experience using a solicitor, something I felt quite daunted about. Rotheras (Greg and Petra) put me at ease and were very helpful.
Mollie Fish
Posted 01/27/2020
Last year I experienced a car accident, as a front seat passenger. I put forward a personal injury claim with Rotheras. From start to finish, my claim has been dealt with efficiently and professionally, and I have always felt my best interests were considered. All communications were made via letter or email to inform me of all further updates. My claim has now come to an end and I am very happy with the overall outcome. I would recommend Rotheras for their service.
Samya Green
Posted 02/04/2020
We cannot recommend Chris Powell of Rotheras more highly. Mr Powell demonstrated the upmost professionalism with a high level of knowledge of the area for which he was representing us. Anyone needing representation/advice regarding the area of haulage will find that Chris Powell and Rotheras are the best choice.
Karen Walker
Posted 02/04/2020
Claim dealt with efficiently and to a satisfactory conclusion. Wayne Vickers visited me at home initially and explained everything thoroughly. Professional service throughout. Recommended
Clare Stevens

Ann-Marie Bowman
a.bowman@rotheras.co.uk
Ann-Marie Bowman is Partner and Chairwoman of Nottingham based law firm Rotheras. Ann-Marie remains highly committed to her fee-earning work in Family law, dealing with all aspects of children matters.

Sally Hartland
s.hartland@rotheras.co.uk
Sally Hartland is a Family, Matrimonial and Child Law specialist based at our offices in The Lace Market. Sally specialises and regularly represents both parents and grandparents in care proceedings.

Ruth Tyas
r.tyas@rotheras.co.uk
Ruth specialises in all aspects of family law and since 2010 she has been an accredited specialist in private law children matters and in domestic abuse where urgent protective remedies are required.

Rebecca Lister
r.lister@rotheras.co.uk
Rebecca Lister is a Solicitor within our Family Department and specialises in children and child care proceedings, regularly representing parents during care proceedings.

Chris Bradshaw
c.bradshaw@rotheras.co.uk
Chris specialises in children matters and provides support to Ann-Marie Bowman.

Sue Dutton
s.dutton@rotheras.co.uk
Sue Dutton is a Legal Executive in the Family and Childcare department at Rotheras and is based at our Long Eaton office.

Skyler Broadhead
s.broadhead@rotheras.co.uk
Skyler Broadhead is a Senior Paralegal in Rotheras Solicitors Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market office.

Beccy Rodham
b.rodham@rotheras.co.uk
Beccy Rodham is a Paralegal in Rotheras Family Law department and is based at our Lace Market office.

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