Susan, Michelle and Katy have a special interest in this area of work and will assist couples and individuals through the technical procedures involved in the adoption of children either in the UK or from abroad. They have extensive experience in preparing and presenting complex cases for court and supporting their clients through all the stages leading to making of the final order.

What is an Adoption Order?

This is an Order that gives parental responsibility for a child to the adopters. At the same time, the making of an Adoption Order will extinguish permanently the parental responsibility which any person had for the child immediately before the making of the Order. An Adoption Order is irrevocable save for very restricted circumstances. By virtue of the adoption, the child becomes the adopter’s legitimate child and legally is treated as if he had been born to either the adoptive couple or to the single adopter. An Adoption Order does not in itself confer citizenship or a right to remain in the United Kingdom. The purpose of the law relating to adoption is to provide security and stability for a child.

Adoption first became legally available in England and Wales in 1926. The law of adoption is governed by the Adoption and Children Act 2002.

Adoption is a legal process by which a child becomes a permanent and full member of a new family. Adoption has become the goal which is sought for most children who require a permanent family placement away from their natural parents.  

The term “foreign adoption” means any adoption that takes place in a country outside England and Wales.

Some of the Adoption Orders made outside England and Wales are automatically recognised. However, where they are not, it will be necessary to apply for an Adoption Order to be made in England and Wales.