Legal Advice for Keeping Your Family Together

How to Get Custody of a Sibling

If your parents are no longer able to provide care, you may be considering the brave and loving step of taking custody of your brother or sister. Our expert family law solicitors can guide you through the complex legal process with compassion and expertise.

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Your Legal Options for Sibling Custody

While you may think of it as "custody," the law provides specific court orders to give you the legal authority to care for your sibling. The two most common routes are a Child Arrangement Order or a Special Guardianship Order (SGO).

Child Arrangement Order (CAO)

This is an order stating your sibling will 'live with' you. It is the most common type of order for settling arrangements between parents, but can also be used by other family members.

  • Gives you Parental Responsibility for your sibling.
  • Parents who also have Parental Responsibility retain theirs.
  • Ideal for situations where parents may be able to resume care in the future.
Learn about CAOs

Special Guardianship Order (SGO)

An SGO is a more permanent order, designed for when a child cannot live with their parents. It is often the best option for a sibling taking on long-term care.

  • Gives you enhanced, overriding Parental Responsibility.
  • Allows you to make key decisions without consulting the parents.
  • Provides access to greater financial support from the Local Authority.
Discuss an SGO

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law

General Questions
What is the first step in a family law matter?

The first step is always to get expert legal advice. A solicitor can explain your legal position, your rights and options, and guide you on the best way to proceed. We can often resolve matters through negotiation or mediation, without ever needing to go to court.

How much are your family law fees?

We understand that cost is a major concern. We provide a clear estimate of costs from the very beginning. For many of our services, such as the divorce application itself, we work on a fixed-fee basis to give you complete cost certainty. We will discuss all funding options with you at your initial consultation.

Divorce & Finances
How are assets divided in a divorce?

The starting point for the division of matrimonial assets in the UK is a 50/50 split. However, the court can depart from this based on a number of factors, including the needs of any children, the length of the marriage, and the earning capacity of each party. Our goal is to negotiate a fair financial settlement that protects your future.

What is a 'Clean Break' Order?

A Clean Break Order is a legally binding court order that severs all future financial ties between you and your ex-spouse. It prevents either party from making a financial claim against the other in the future, for example, against an inheritance or lottery win. It is a crucial step in providing certainty after a divorce.

Children Matters
Who gets custody of the children?

The term 'custody' is no longer used in UK family law. Instead, the court makes 'Child Arrangement Orders' which set out where a child lives and who they spend time with. The court's only consideration is what is in the child's best interests. We always encourage parents to reach an amicable agreement, but we can make a court application if necessary to protect your relationship with your child.

Do I have to pay child maintenance?

Yes, all parents have a financial responsibility for their children. Child maintenance can be agreed privately between you, or the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) can calculate the amount. The court generally only gets involved in child maintenance for very high earners or for specific costs like school fees.

Get the Right Legal Advice for Your Family

Whatever your circumstances, our expert family law solicitors are here to provide clear, professional guidance to protect you and your family's future.

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