Family Law
Adoption creates a lasting legal relationship between a child and their adoptive parent or parents. Whether you are considering adopting a stepchild or need advice about an adoption application, we can help you understand the legal consequences, the people involved and the steps ahead.
Understanding your next steps
Adoption is not simply another way of recording who cares for a child. It changes legal parenthood. We discuss what you want to achieve and whether adoption, parental responsibility or another arrangement needs to be considered in your family’s circumstances.
For step-parent adoption, the local authority must be notified before an application and will investigate the circumstances for the court. We explain the process, the role of the other birth parent and why consent and existing orders must be considered carefully.
We can advise on the legal documents and questions arising from assessments and proceedings. Tell us if a child was born overseas, if earlier proceedings took place outside England and Wales, or if any parent cannot be located. These issues may affect the route.
A clear way forward
Bring birth and marriage certificates, details of everyone with parental responsibility and any previous orders or local authority correspondence.
We consider eligibility, consent, the relevant assessment process and alternatives before advising on an application.
We discuss the evidence and documents required, who needs to be informed and the issues the court will need to resolve.
Planning ahead
Fees depend on the type of adoption, whether advice alone or representation is needed, and whether consent or legal parenthood is disputed. Court fees and any specialist advice should be identified separately in the estimate.
Assessment, notification periods and court timetables all matter. In a step-parent case, the council must normally be told at least three months before applying, and the child must have lived with the couple for at least six months.
Read our published Price Guide, then contact us to confirm the work you need and the costs involved.
View Price GuideUseful to know
Yes. An adoption order can remove the other birth parent’s parental responsibility and change the child’s legal family relationships. It is essential to understand those consequences before applying.
Consent is normally required, but the law allows exceptions in particular circumstances. A disagreement is not resolved simply by completing a form; the court must consider the legal tests and the child’s welfare.
No. A parental responsibility agreement or another court order may be relevant. The right option depends on the child’s needs and the legal authority the step-parent needs.
Yes. An early discussion can identify missing documents, existing orders, consent issues and the questions to raise with the local authority or adoption agency before an application progresses.
General information for England and Wales. Contact us for advice about your circumstances.
SJS Solicitors · Balham
