Guardianship

Overview Why guardianship might be needed How guardianship is set up Who can be a guardian? The cost of setting up guardianship How long guardianship can last Guardians are supervised Financial guardianship Further information about guardianship

The cost of setting up guardianship

The cost of obtaining a guardianship order can vary.

You may have to pay:

• legal costs if you employ a solicitor to help with the application to court
• fees for medical reports
• court fees to lodge the application
• a fee for registering the order

As this is a legal procedure, it’s recommended that you take legal advice and help from a solicitor.

An adult with incapacity may be eligible for civil legal aid, via the Scottish Legal Aid Board. Eligibility will be based on the adult’s income and assets and not the prospective guardian’s. 

The Public Guardian charges fees for some of the services provided such as registering the order and carrying out supervision duties. However there are certain circumstances where you might be entitled to apply for a fee exemption.