Thinking About Adoption

Are you thinking about adoption?

Adoption is defined as when a child legally becomes a member of a new family and has one or two new parents. Once a Court has made an Adoption Order, the child becomes a full member of the adoptive family, and the birth parents no longer have any parental rights and responsibilities for their child.

If you are thinking about adoption then you should contact us immediately for some advice. Our child law solicitors can talk you through the process, assist with any form filing exercises and support you through every step of the way.

Types of Adoption

If you are thinking about adoption, depending on your current circumstances will depend on the type of adoption you can apply for.

The types of adoption are;

• A single natural parent
• By a natural parent and a step-parent
• By a relative
• Through local authority or an adoption agency
• From overseas

I am thinking about adoption, am I eligible to adopt?

If you are thinking about adoption, there are certain criteria you need to fulfil before you can apply. Provided you meet the criteria below, you are eligible to apply to be an adoptive parent (click for the process here) if you are unsure if you are eligible to adopt contact us and we can provide you with the best advice and assess your individual circumstances.

The criteria includes:

• You can apply to be an adoptive parent when you are over 21 years old
• Can provide evidence of providing a permanent, stable and caring home
• You are either a single person or part of a married couple (you cannot adopt if you are part of an unmarried couple – even if one of you is the natural parent)
• You need to be able to pass a police test

I am not a British Citizen – can I adopt?

You do not have to be a British Citizen to adopt in the UK but you have to have lived in the UK for more than one year to be able to apply.

An Adoption Order can only be made if;

• The child is under the age of 18 years old when the application is made
• The child isn’t or hasn’t been married or in a civil partnership

Thinking about Adoption – We can help

If you are thinking about adoption then do not hesitate to contact the Ringrose Law Children Department.

Find your nearest Ringrose Law Solicitors office here.

How old do I have to be to adopt a child?

There are certain criteria you need to conform to, to be able to adopt. Including, you have to be 21years or older to be able to apply for adoption.

I am single. Can I adopt?

There are different types of adoption and if you are single you are able to adopt a child.

Me and my partner already have a child will this affect our suitability to adopt a child?

Not at all. However the adoption agency will take this into account, and consider the ages of the child/children at home and what their needs are.

My partner has a criminal record, will we be able to adopt a child?

As part of the Adoption process, all applicants will have a police check. Depending on the nature of the criminal record depends on whether or not you will be able to adopt, any sexual offences or cruelty to children charges will prevent you from being able to adopt.