What does it all cost?

"In court” and “out of court” Legal Aid is available.
"Out of court” is the preparatory work for submitting a legal aid application for Guardianship.
Sadly this is means tested Legal Aid for adults at school and includes both parents.
The rules are quite complex but generally only a few families qualify.
Consequently this preparatory work is not done under Legal Aid for most families.
That means most applicants have to pay private fees for this “out of court” work.
Private Fees for this part of the work are generally around £500 to £700 plus VAT.
Make sure you ask for a quote at the outset.
"In Court” is the formal work for the actual Guardianship application including the hearing.
There is no means test for Legal Aid in this work if welfare powers are sought.
Consequently this work is currently always fully paid by Legal Aid.
That means a saving of at least £2000 if you use a solicitor registered to do Legal Aid.
Only about a third of all Scottish solicitors are registered to do Legal Aid.
Ask at the outset if your solicitor provides this work under Legal Aid.
If this is all paid for privately usually the cost will be not less than £3000 plus VAT and outlays.
Difficulties in the court action are rare but will increase costs.