Replace a child's litigation friend
A child who鈥檚 received money to settle a court case will have a litigation friend to look after the money in a Court Funds Office account until they turn 18.
You can apply to replace a child鈥檚 litigation friend so you can be the contact for the account.
Apply to the court that appointed the child鈥檚 existing litigation friend - the court needs to make an order to appoint you.
You鈥檒l need to prove to the court that the existing litigation friend is no longer suitable or available - for example:
- they鈥檙e not acting in the child鈥檚 best interests
- they can no longer act as a litigation friend (for example, they鈥檝e moved away)
- they鈥檝e died
You鈥檒l need to pay a 拢184 fee unless you鈥檙e eligible for help with court fees.
How to apply
You can get legal advice to help you apply.
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Fill in a certificate of suitability for the court that appointed the existing litigation friend - this is to nominate yourself as the litigation friend.
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Download and read - this is to ask the court to make an order to replace the existing litigation friend.
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Use form N244 to explain why the existing litigation friend is not suitable or available - give names and addresses for the existing litigation friend and the child鈥檚 parent, guardian or carer so the court can give (鈥榮erve鈥�) copies of the application to them.
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Send your certificate of suitability with your completed form and fee to the court - contact a court in England or Wales.