Kinship arrangements have legal implications. Sometimes parental responsibility is held by the kinship carer, sometimes solely by the parents, and sometimes by the local authority. It is important to understand the legal implications of your kinship arrangement.
For information on organisations that can help with finding a solicitor or provide legal advice:
Read the guide to legal help for Kinship Carers
For information and top tips to working with a solicitor:
Read the guide 'Working with a solicitor' from Family Rights Group
Legal Support for Special Guardians
As part of Rotherham’s Kinship Care Policy, Rotherham Council will fund up to three hours legal advice at legal aid agency hourly rates for prospective Special Guardians where:
- The child is subject to care proceedings,
- The child was a Child in Care and Rotherham Council have completed a Special Guardianship assessment which recommends them as Special Guardians
This is available only where the prospective Special Guardian is not in receipt of legal aid funded legal representation already.
Testamentary Guardianship
Some kinship carers will be able to appoint a Testamentary Guardian, or person named in a will to care for their kinship child upon their death.
Find out more on testamentary guardianship and who can make these arrangements
Rotherham Council will fund up to £175 contribution for the making of a Testamentary Guardianship arrangement for the children where the child was subject to care proceedings or was looked after prior to the making of the Special Guardianship Order.
