Adoption is where a child legally becomes a member of a new family and has one or two new parents.

Only a court can make an adoption order. The effect of the adoption order is that the birth parents no longer have any parental rights and responsibilities for their child. Those rights and responsibilities are given to the adoptive parents.

To adopt a child who is currently in local authority care, you will need to submit an application to an adoption agency, which will assess your suitability. The court will then decide whether to make an adoption order in your favour. This is often a long and intrusive process that includes numerous assessments and criteria to be met.

Our team can advise on this process as well as Special Guardianship Orders.