Special guardianship orders at the family court in Greater Manchester
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-09-02
How this application works
A special guardianship order (SGO) gives a long-term carer — most often a grandparent or other relative — parental responsibility that overrides the parents' day-to-day, without ending the legal parent-child relationship. Applications are made on form C1 (with C1A where there are allegations of harm). The applicant must give the local authority three months' written notice of the intention to apply. The local authority prepares a special guardianship support report for the court, which may include financial support. SGOs are a common outcome in kinship care and in special guardianship assessments following care proceedings.
- Form: C1 (+C1A) — gov.uk
- Fee: No fee (confirm current position on gov.uk)
- Where to file: Manchester Civil Justice Centre, 1 Bridge Street West, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 9DJ
- Our full guide to Manchester Civil Justice Centre
What happens after you file
1. Give the local authority three months' written notice, then file C1 (+C1A if needed). 2. The local authority investigates and files its support report. 3. Cafcass/the court safeguards the child's views; a final decision is made at a hearing.
Getting help in Greater Manchester
- Support services in Greater Manchester
- Finding a solicitor near Greater Manchester
- Finding a mediator near Greater Manchester
Related guides
General information only — not legal advice. Fees per SI 2026/642 (in force 13 July 2026); confirm the current fee on the gov.uk form page before filing. Source: gov.uk, HMCTS.
Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.