Adoption
Adopting a child is an amazing way to grow a family, giving a child a loving and secure home offering an opportunity for a new beginning.
Do you need a solicitor for adoption?
Having expert legal advice early is key as the adoption process is often lengthy and challenging. You will need a Court Order to become a child’s legal parents and without this Order, automatic rights such as inheritance are not granted, and adoptive parents may not have full legal responsibility. The Adoption Order will grant you Parental Responsibility to make key decisions about your child’s upbringing (such as education and medical care).
Our adoption solicitor’ expertise
We can provide clear, practical advice in relation to all types of adoption and associated issues including:
- Adopting through an independent voluntary adoption agency or a local authority
- Adopting children in care
- Fostering to adopt and concurrent care
- Adoption of relatives and kinship care
- Adoption of stepchildren
- International adoption
- Adopting grandchildren
- Adopting newborn babies
- LGBT+ adoption
How to adopt a child
To adopt a child, you must go through an agency, either one connected to your local authority or a voluntary adoption agency.
The adoption agency will meet with you to assess your suitability, explain the process and provide the application form.
Once you have applied there will be a full assessment of you (and partner if involved).
If your application is successful and you are matched with a child, you will need to apply for an Adoption Order which transfers legal parenthood status to you (and your partner).
How we can help
Moore & Tibbits has expert family lawyers who can advise you on the adoption process from all sides, including if you object to an adoption. We clearly outline timescales, costs and what you should be thinking about at every stage of the adoption process. Let us take care of the legal aspects so you can focus on welcoming your child to the family.
