Private Adoption Lawyers – Specialist Legal Advice
Adopting a child is a life-changing decision, one that provides a child with a permanent, loving home. Our experienced adoption solicitors offer clear, supportive legal advice throughout every step of the private adoption process – whether you’re adopting a step-child, relative, or family friend.
We guide you through the entire journey – from preparing your application to securing the order in the Family Court. Since our family solicitors specialize in private adoption, we don’t handle legal aid cases or local authority care proceedings – that means we can focus entirely on helping you navigate your adoption smoothly, efficiently, and with your child’s best interests at heart.
We also offer related services like child arrangement family mediation or updating your will to reflect your new family circumstances.
Call Us Now on FREEPHONE 0800 1404544 or One of Our Local Office Numbers – or Email Us Now for Your FREE Specialist 30 Minutes Family Law Advice.
Adoption Solicitors – Frequently Asked Questions
What is private adoption in the UK?
This refers to adopting a child outside of the local authority care system. It typically applies to step-parents, relatives, or family friends who wish to adopt a child. Unlike fostering, private adoption permanently transfers parental responsibility from the birth parents to the adoptive parent(s).
Do I need a solicitor for private adoption?
Yes. While adoption agencies will guide you, a solicitor ensures your application is prepared and presented correctly to the Family Court. Having a solicitor experienced in private adoption can help avoid delays, ensure all documents are accurate, and provide clear advice on your legal rights and responsibilities.
Who is eligible to adopt privately?
Anyone over the age of 21, whether single, married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting, can make an application. You don’t need to own your own home, and having biological children of your own is not a requirement. What matters most is your ability to provide a stable and supportive family home.
However, you must have been living in the UK for at least one year before your application, will need to have a permanent and stable home in the UK , and you will also need to undertake a medical assessment to make sure that you are able to properly care for a child.
Being disabled or unemployed or on a very low income does not automatically disqualify you from being eligible.
You can apply as a single person, or as a married couple.
How does the process work?
The process usually begins with an application, followed by an assessment by the local authority, and then an application to Family Court for an adoption order. The application includes detailed information about the child, the adopters, and the circumstances of the placement. Once the application is submitted, the court will usually arrange one or more hearings.
At the first hearing, the judge will check that all the necessary reports and consents are in place and may ask for further information if needed. The final hearing is where the judge decides whether to grant the Order, based on what is in the child’s best interests. Once the order is made, the adopters become the child’s legal parents and receive an adoption certificate to replace the birth certificate.
Your family law solicitor will prepare the necessary paperwork and represent you in court. Once the order is granted, parental responsibility is permanently transferred to the adoptive parent(s).
How long does a private adoption take?
The timeline varies, but most take several months, from the initial application to the Court order. Having an experienced solicitor and the right legal advice from the outset ensures that the legal process runs as efficiently as possible.
Do birth parents need to consent to private adoption?
In most cases, yes. Consent from the birth parents is required before an adoption order can be granted. However, if the court believes it’s in the child’s best interest, it may dispense with consent.
Your solicitor will guide you through the process and advise whether consent is necessary.
What legal rights do adoptive parents gain?
Once an order is granted, adoptive parents gain full parental responsibility, just as if the child had been born to them. The birth parents’ legal rights are permanently removed, making the child a legal member of their new family with the same rights as a biological child.
How much does private adoption cost with a solicitor?
The cost varies depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of legal work required. We offer transparent fee estimates from the outset so you know what to expect. Since legal aid isn’t available for private adoption, you will need to fund the process yourself.
Can an adoption be reversed?
No, it’s permanent and legally binding. Once an adoption order is granted, it is extremely difficult to reverse and is only possible in rare and exceptional circumstances.
Can my child still have contact with their birth family afterwards?
In some cases, arrangements can be made for the adopted child to maintain contact with their birth relatives after the court order is made, if it is in the child’s best interest. This can be informal or written into a formal agreement approved by the court.
What support is available after adoption?
Many local authorities and adoption agencies offer post-adoption support, including counselling, training, and peer support groups. Your solicitor can advise you on your legal rights on any matters that may arise after a court order is made.
