Special Guardianship directions hearing

[cherrypie314159]

DH and I are applying for Special Guardianship of my little sister. She is 16 and currently in year 11 at school.

We finally have our first court date after almost 10 months since starting this process - a directions hearing on 12 March.

I have two queries and I'm hoping someone may have some advice or experiences to share!

1. I know with almost 100% certainty that my sisters mum and dad (the respondents) are not going to turn up at court. The evidence against them having sister to live with them is overwhelming, and neither of them want to face it or fight it.

What will happen if the respondents don't show up at the first court date? Are we likely to get the Special Guardianship Order that day, or is an adjournment more likely?

2. We have dealt with several social workers throughout this process, and one of them once said something I keep on worrying about (although, the others dispelled it) - she said that we wouldn't get a Special Guardianship Order because sister is "too old". Does anyone have any insight into this at all?

Thank you!

Under the Children Act a Child is someone under the age of 18 (s105(1)).

An SGO is made under s14A. There is nothing in ss 14A-14G that restrict the making of an SGO to those under 16.

Disclaimer. I've done 2 SGO applications in my career, so someone with more experience may say differently.

Thank you @Collaborate :)

Hello, I have dealt with many SGO’s (from the social work side) and have had several that have gone through at age 16 and 17. If this is something that your sister wants, please do not worry.

Thank you @SameOldShite puts my mind at rest about that :)

Just bumping in case anyone might know about number 1, what happens if respondents don't show up at court?
Thank you