Adoption

An Adoption of a child is absolute and irrevocable. The Adopter will be treated in law as though the Child was born as a Child to the adopter. The welfare of the child is the paramount consideration when deciding whether the child should be adopted.

To adopt a child the child must be under 18 and not married or in a civil partnership.  

A couple can apply to adopt if:

1. Both of you are over 21 years old
2. One of you is domiciled in UK or both habitually resident in UK for at least 1 year.
3. The child has been residing with you for a specified period of time.
4. You can provide a permanent, stable and caring home.

One person can adopt if:

1. You are at least 21 yrs old
2. You are not married/in a civil partnership or if you are that your partner is the parent of the child or your partner can’t be found/permanently separated/incapacity.
3. You are domiciled in UK or habitually resident here for at least one year.
4. The child has been residing with you for a specified period of time.
5. You can provide a permanent, stable and caring home

For further advice on the law regarding adopting a child please contact a member of our Family Law Team.