Adoption
OVERVIEW
Adoption is the legal process of becoming a child’s parent, giving you full parental responsibility and ending the legal relationship with the child’s birthparents.
It’s a significant step, and it’s important to understand the process and what it involves.
Get in Touch
If you’re considering adoption or need advice, get in touch with our team today.
New website enquiry
Full Detail
What to expect
Adoption is a formal legal process that requires:
- Assessment and approval by a local authority or adoption agency
- A court application
- A final adoption order
The process is closely regulated, and it’s important that all legal steps are followed correctly.
When adoption may apply
Adoption can arise in different situations, including:
- Step-parent adoption
- Foster carers adopting a child in their care
- Adopting a child placed through an agency
- Private family arrangements (where a child has been living with you)
In most cases, the local authority or an authorised agency must be involved.
Consent and contact
The court will usually require consent from the child’s birth parents.
In some cases, the court can decide that consent is not required if it is in the child’s best interests.
The court will also consider whether any contact with birth family members should continue after adoption.
Adoption Orders
An Adoption Order creates a permanent legal relationship between a child and their adoptive parent.
- It gives full parental responsibility to the adoptive parent(s)
- It ends the legal rights of the birth parents (with limited exceptions)
- The child is treated in law as part of the adoptive family
In most cases, the local authority or an authorised agency must be involved.
How we can help
Adoption can be complex, and getting the right advice early can make the process much smoother.
We can help with:
- Advising on your eligibility and options
- Guiding you through the legal process
- Preparing and submitting applications
- Supporting you through court proceedings
Get in Touch
If you’re considering adoption or need advice, get in touch with our team today.
New website enquiry
