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Adoption

You may be thinking about adopting a child.

The process of adoption legally makes the child yours, forever. In the eyes of the Law, you are legally the child's parent and all the rights of the birth parents are removed permanently.

Adoption is a wonderful and at time challenging journey and legal advice is recommended at the outset.

We can provide specialist advice on:

  • International adoption;
  • Adoption and Care; 
  • Adoption by a family member;
  • Post adoption issues.

International Adoption

We can provide advice to families considering international adoption and returning with the child to the UK. Adopting a child from overseas can be complex, depending on the particular country chosen. There may also be immigration issues.

Adoption from Care

Most children who are looking for an adopted home in this country have come through the care system. In some cases, the birth parents oppose Social Services' plan for adoption and there can be complexitites in the making of the Adoption Order and future contact with members of the birth family. Our specialist Adoption Team have considerable expertise in this area and are able to guide you through the process.

Adoption by a family member

Placing children permanently with relatives is generally recognised as a next best option if a child cannot be cared for by birth parents. We can provide specialist advice on the range of available orders including Adoption, Special Guardianship Order and a Residence Order.

There are an increasing number of stepfamilies and there is an understandable wish to make that child officially a member of their family. Again, we can assist.

Post Adoption Issues

We can assist in trying to secure appropriate post adoption support. There may also be understandable anxiety if and when a member of the birth family wishes to have contact with the child. If court proceedings are commenced, we can provide specialist legal advice and representation. We are also familiar with the Family Finding Service and can support birth parents who have given a child up for adoption and adults who themselves have been adopted.

Michelmores adoption team

Vanessa Priddis

Vanessa Priddis

PARTNER

vanessa.priddis@michelmores.com
Rachel Cook

Rachel Cook

ASSOCIATE

rachel.cook@michelmores.com

How likely are we to be able to adopt a baby?

No. The average age of a child adopted today is nearly four years.  Their needs are complex and they often have siblings who will be placed with them.

How long the adoption process can take does vary, but there are national guidelines.  The recommended length of time from your formal application to be assessed, to your adoption panel meeting, is approximately 8 months.  In some cases, it can take longer but you should be informed during every stage of the process.

How much does it cost to adopt?

There is no charge for being assessed by a UK adoption agency, unless you are being assessed to adopt a child from abroad when you will usually have to pay all related costs yourself.

How long does it take?

The length of the process can vary.  There are national guidelines that specify the recommended length of time from your formal application to be assessed, to your Adoption Panel meeting at approximately 8 months.  In some cases it can take longer, but you should be informed during every stage of the process.

Do I need to have completed fertility treatment?

Some Adoption Teams recommend there is period of 12 months between the completion of fertility treatment and your application to become a prospective adopter.  This is to give you time to adjust to come to terms with the loss. 

Adoption

Adoption removes Parental Responsibility (PR) from the birth parents and gives it to the new or adoptive parents.

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