Adoption Solicitors
Planning to adopt a child is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, and it can be difficult to know where to start.
Our specialist adoption solicitors are here to support you on your journey of adopting a child.
More than just legal advice
We understand the emotional toll that this process can have. Whether you’re at the start of the journey, considering adopting a stepchild, or you are foster carers considering adopting a child placed in your care, we’re here to support you.
It’s important to understand the legal requirements when you’re making your plans. We would encourage you to speak with us as early as possible, so you clearly understand your legal position.
Our adoption lawyers can guide you through this process, whether you’re looking to adopt a child in the UK or overseas.
Understanding what the adoption process entails will help you plan ahead and make sure that things run as smoothly as possible.
Speak to our experts
We have the largest private client team in the UK; our team of experts are here to provide discreet legal advice to support you and your family.
Who can adopt a child?
Anyone over the age of 21 can apply to adopt a child. It’s open to anyone regardless of their marital status, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, disability, or employment status.
You don’t have to be a British citizen; you must have a fixed or permanent UK address and have lived in the UK for at least a year.
What is the legal process for adopting a child through an agency or local authority?
The adoption process in England and Wales is designed to safeguard the children and those who wish to adopt.
It’s often carried out through adoption agencies, voluntary adoption agencies, or local authorities. Whoever the process is through, they must follow the standards set by the UK’s adoption laws.
The steps to adopting a child are:
- Initial enquiry – An initial information session will be arranged with the adoption agency or local council you’re applying to. You will be asked to fill in a registration of interest form, which formally starts the process.
- Assessment – This can be split into two stages. The first is background checks, basic information, and references, while the second is more in-depth training, interviews and home visits.
- Adoption panel – A panel will make a recommendation about your application to the agency’s decision makers.
- Matching you with a child – If you’re successful, the agency will match you with a child whose needs align with your situation. The child will then be placed under a placement order and is allowed to live with you while the adoption process continues.
- Adoption order – After the child has lived with you for 10 weeks or more, you can apply for an adoption order. If successful after review, the court will grant the order and parental responsibility changes to you.
Our team are here to support you every step of the way.
Can I adopt a child who doesn’t live in the UK?
Yes, you can adopt a child from abroad, also known as intercountry adoption if certain requirements are met. The process is governed by UK legislation and the laws of the country of the child’s birth.
The UK Government lists on the .gov website the reasons for allowing an international adoption, these are that the:
- Child can’t be cared for in a safe environment in their own country
- Adoption would be in the child’s best interests
- Adopter has been assessed as eligible and suitable to adopt from overseas by an adoption agency in the UK.
Our international adoption lawyers are well-placed to help you with adopting a child from another country.
International Adoption: Practical Tips to Assist in This Journey
If you live in England or Wales and plan to adopt a child from outside the UK, this practical guide outlines some key considerations.
From the Hague Convention to immigration, the article is a great starting point for anyone considering international adoption.
We’re here to help
Complete our enquiry form and one of our experts will contact you by the next working day.
Alternatively, you can call us now.
Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (Excluding Public Holidays).
03301624891
Why choose Irwin Mitchell’s adoption solicitors?
We have one of the largest Family Law teams in the UK. Our experience sets us apart from other law firms and helps us make sure we get the best outcome for our clients.
Our Family Law team are recognised by independent legal guide, Chambers and Partners, for being:
“Highly respected for the breadth of its expertise and its handling of high-value and complex matters."
One former client told them that:
“The team are extremely caring and constantly going above and beyond for their clients. The lawyers have high levels of expertise.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Every adoption will take a different amount of time.
Given the assessments undertaken, if anything needs further investigation, it can delay the process.
This is why it’s important to have expert adoption solicitors by your side to help if any issues arise.