Adoption is the legal process that transfers full parental responsibility for a child to new parents, permanently and irreversibly. At Adam Bernard Solicitors, our family law team supports prospective adopters, step-parents and birth families through every stage of adoption — from the initial local authority assessment through to the final adoption order.
We understand that adoption can be an emotional and sometimes lengthy journey. Our solicitors are here to answer your questions, guide you through the legal requirements, and support you at every step, by phone or online.
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What Is Adoption?
Adoption is the legal process by which an individual or a couple becomes a child’s legal parent, gaining full parental responsibility, even though they are not the child’s biological parent. Once an adoption order is made, it permanently transfers parental rights from the birth parents to the adoptive parent(s), and the child gains the same legal status as a biological child of the family.
How Does Adoption Happen?
A child becomes available for adoption in one of two ways: the local authority obtains a placement order from the court, or the birth parents give their consent to place the child for adoption.
Whichever route applies, an adoption agency will carry out a full suitability assessment, including:
- Social worker visits
- Medical examinations
- Police checks
- Personal references
Who Can Adopt a Child?
You do not need to be married, in a civil partnership, or in a particular type of relationship to adopt — single applicants, couples, and same-sex partners are all eligible, provided you meet the legal requirements.
- You must be over 21 years old
- Each applicant must have been habitually resident in the British Isles for at least a year, and the sole applicant (or at least one member of a couple) must be domiciled there
- You must not have a criminal conviction or caution for offences against children or serious sexual offences
Who Can I Adopt?
A child can be adopted at any age up to 18, provided the application is made before their 19th birthday and they have never been married or in a civil partnership.
- The child must not have been married or in a civil partnership
- The child can be 18 during the proceedings and still be adopted, provided the adoption is finalised before their 19th birthday
What Is the Adoption Process?
Adoption in the UK must go through a registered adoption agency, which may be part of your local authority or a voluntary agency, and involves a full assessment before you can be matched with a child.
- Apply through an adoption agency (local authority or voluntary agency)
- Undergo a full assessment of you (and your partner, if applicable), including:
- Social worker visits
- Police checks
- Medical checks
- Personal references
- Attend preparation classes
- Be matched with a child by an approval panel
- Apply to the court for the final adoption order
What Is a Placement Order?
A placement order is a court order that authorises a local authority to place a child with prospective adopters, typically made when a child cannot safely return to their birth parents.
This can arise where the birth parents are neglectful or abusive, have died, or are unable to care for the child due to serious medical or personal circumstances. If a child cannot return to their birth family, the local authority must decide on their long-term care, and if adoption is deemed the right outcome, the authority will apply to the court for a placement order.
What Is an Adoption Order?
An adoption order is the final court order that permanently removes parental responsibility from the birth parents and transfers it to the adoptive parents. The court must be satisfied that the adoptive parents are the best option for the child before making this order. This typically arises in one of these situations:
- Placement order adoptions — usually following care proceedings
- Adoptions with parental consent — where there is usually no prior court involvement
- Private adoption applications — for a child already living with the applicants, where the child was not placed by an adoption agency
- Step-parent adoptions — where a step-parent applies to adopt their partner’s child, usually after the child has lived with them for at least 6 months, and following 3 months’ notice to the local authority
Why Choose Adam Bernard Solicitors for Adoption
As shown above, our team of family lawyers and divorce solicitors has a wealth of experience across numerous family matters. We handle every aspect of your case sensitively and comprehensively, giving you the best possible prospect of success. Read through our client testimonials to see our track record in this area of law.
Get in touch with our expert Solicitors today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The assessment stage (Stage 1 and Stage 2 with your adoption agency) typically takes around 6 months. Once approved and matched with a child, an adoption application can usually be lodged with the court after the child has lived with you for at least 10 weeks.
Yes. You do not need to be married, in a civil partnership, or part of a couple to adopt. Single applicants over 21 who meet the residency and suitability requirements are eligible.
Yes. Step-parent adoption is possible once the child has lived with you for at least 6 months. You must give your local authority 3 months' notice of your intention to apply before applying to the court.
Yes, it's strongly recommended. Adoption involves detailed legal paperwork and court applications. A solicitor ensures every requirement is met correctly and represents your interests if the case involves a contested placement or complex family circumstances.
Yes, in certain circumstances. The court can dispense with parental consent if a parent cannot be found, is incapable of giving consent, or if the child's welfare requires the adoption to proceed regardless.
A placement order authorises the local authority to place a child with prospective adopters. An adoption order is the final court order that permanently transfers parental responsibility to the adoptive parents.
