I would like my new partner to adopt my child - will this be possible?
It is important to remember that adoption is about and for the benefit of the child. Whilst the court will consider the adults’ strong views, these will not be an overriding factor when it comes to them making a decision.
The possibility of step parent adoption depends on a number of factors. All those with parental responsibility for the child ordinarily will have to consent to the adoption application. The court, in certain exceptional circumstances, can dispense with the need for one parent’s agreement but there have to be very good reasons for doing so. Even with agreement, assessments will be undertaken of the adoptive parent and the child to ascertain whether the court should grant the adoption order.