Kinship Assessments, Viability Assessment and Connected Persons Assessments
During proceedings involving social services, there is an expectation by the Court that all necessary assessments are undertaken in order to allow the Court to consider who should care for a child at the end of the case.
Expert Family Law Solicitors
At GT Stewart, we know that matters concerning family and private life are the most sensitive to deal with, which is why our experienced family team will listen to your concerns, wishes and feelings, and work to get you the best outcome to suit your needs. Please get in touch so we can set out how we are able to help you.
We offer services to both private paying and legal aid clients in the following areas of law:
Public Law Children (involvement with Social Services)
Private Law Children Advice
Matrimonial & Relationship Advice
Domestic Abuse & Personal Protection
Experienced Family Law Lawyers
Our team of experienced Family Law Solicitors deal with all aspects of Family Law, representing parents, children, other family members and interveners who are based in the UK and worldwide, in proceedings across England & Wales in all levels of Court from Magistrates right the way up to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
Kinship Assessments, Viability Assessment and Connected Persons Assessments
During proceedings involving social services, there is an expectation by the Court that all necessary assessments are undertaken in order to allow the Court to consider who should care for a child at the end of the case. Often family members and family friends are put forward to be assessed to see whether they are suitable to care for the children. These assessments are called Kinship Assessments, Viability Assessment or Connected Persons Assessments.
Often if you are assessed positively the Local Authority will fund legal advice so that you can understand in more detail the possible orders, support and options available to you if the Court took the decision to place a child in your care. Our team is often asked to provide such advice so please do get in touch so your assessment can be discussed further.
Sometime these assessments are negative. You will be given the option to challenge the assessment and make an application to the court to do so. In order for us to advise you on the merits of any challenge, we would ask that you get in touch as soon as possible after receipt of the assessment so your options can be discussed in more detail.
Can I challenge a negative Kinship / viability assessment?
Should the assessment conclude with a negative outcome, the local authority will not recommend further assessment. It is possible to challenge a negative assessment, however this requires exploration and legal advice. You will need to provide a copy of the assessment to a solicitor who will then advise on whether there are merits in challenging the assessment and the process that you would need to follow in order to do so.
What happens if my Kinship / viability assessment is positive?
If the assessment has a positive conclusion, it is likely the local authority will recommend and commence undertaking a Special Guardianship Assessment
Please see our free fact sheet on Kinship Assessments, Viability Assessment and Connected Persons Assessments that answers some commonly asked questions.
Why choose GT Stewart?
With extensive experience in both public and private law matters, we are committed to protecting your interests and achieving outcomes that prioritise the welfare of children and the long-term wellbeing of families. We provide practical advice and dedicated client care to guide you through what can often be a complex and stressful process.
Our Expert Lawyers are ready to Help
GT Stewart has established itself as a leading firm in the UK, specialising in both private cases and also Legal Aid work.
Meet some of our Family Law team
Speak to one of our Family Law Solicitors
Our Tenacity Results in Success
The President of the Family Division has recently published new guidance for short-notice public law applications together with the Newborn Baby Protocol for England and Wales. Taken together, these documents represent one of the most significant procedural developments in public law children work for a number of years.
By | Nov 03, 2026
Many parents assume that legal aid is no longer available for disputes about children. While legal aid is not available for every family law case, funding may still be available where certain circumstances apply.
By | Nov 03, 2026
Max Konarek, assisted by Alison Barar, represented a parent in a complex public law proceedings concerning a young child who had been living with extended family members for a prolonged period under a care order. Following extensive assessments and a contested final hearing, the court approved a plan for the child to return to the full-time care of both parents in another jurisdiction, representing a significant and positive outcome for our client and his family.
By | Nov 02, 2026
Client Testimonials
"I cannot thank Phoebe and Katherine enough for the support, professionalism and understanding they have shown me. They have both been incredibly approachable, helpful and reassuring throughout what has been a difficult and stressful time.I have truly appreciated the time, care and attention they have given me. They have always made me feel listened to, understood and supported. Their kindness, compassion and professionalism have made a real difference, and I am extremely grateful for everything they have done for me.I would wholeheartedly recommend Phoebe and Katherine to anyone looking for a solicitor or barrister who genuinely cares about the people they represent.Thank you both, Phoebe and Katherine, for all your hard work, dedication and support. It has meant more than you know!"
"GT Stewart are personable, supportive and straightforward and were reassuring throughout"
"Phoebe Cole’s has dealt with a couple of my cases at the same time and has been very helpful and even goes out her way to get things done even in her own time out of work hours which shows her dedication, super hard working! Thank you Phoebe."
“I wanted to take a moment to thank you both [Max Konarek and Alison Barar] sincerely for the care, attention and professionalism you have shown in relation to this case….For a long time, I felt unheard and dismissed despite repeatedly trying to raise concerns, provide evidence and advocate…Reading the statement you prepared was the first time in a very long time that I felt genuinely reassured and optimistic that the truth may finally be presented properly and fairly before the Court. It gave me confidence that the wider context and reality of [our lives are] finally being understood. I truly believe that truth ultimately prevails and I cannot adequately express how grateful I am to both of you for listening carefully and treating these matters with seriousness and humanity…I appreciate that [my case requires] careful presentation and I trust your professional judgment completely.”
“Just to add Sadie, I would like to thank you. The judge made multiple comments about how good, thorough and evidenced the paperwork you provided was! You are honestly brilliant and how you translate my brain is outstanding and so appreciated.”