What you need to know

What is a guardianship order?

A guardianship order allows someone to make ongoing decisions on behalf of an adult with incapacity, such as paying bills, dealing with bank accounts or making decisions about care and personal welfare matters. It is also possible for the Sheriff to grant an intervention order to allow a one-off specific action to be completed.

This website will provide some useful information if you are thinking about making an application for a guardianship order. You might find our leaflet helpful and our summary of what’s involved to help you get started.

How much does it cost?

There are various costs involved, such as court fees for the application and there might be costs for the medical reports too. If you employ a solicitor to make a guardianship application there will be legal fees unless the case qualifies for legal aid.

We also charge a fee to register the order once the application is granted. If you applying for financial powers fees may be charged throughout your appointment. We do offer a fee exemption scheme for certain circumstances.