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Adoption law includes complexities that make the process slow and challenging for families. We specialise in this highly complex and specialist area of law, including international, intercountry, domestic and step parent adoption cases. Our experienced adoption solicitors can help you.
What is Adoption & Adoption Law?
Adoption is the term used to describe the legal process of transferring the parental rights and responsibilities to one or multiple individuals. You make a permanent commitment to care for the child who is legally now a part of your family. Adoption is a celebratory and rewarding process for many families but the process can be difficult to navigate for a range of reasons. For the children involved, there can be lots of very conflicting feelings before, during and after the adoption has taken place; the issue of contact with birth parents can be particularly challenging.
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What to Expect From Our Adoption Solicitors?
Our specialist adoption lawyers offer advice and representation on every stage of the adoption process to all of those who may be involved in an adoption case – prospective adopters, children, children’s guardians, birth parents and other relatives. We offer the same specialist, experienced and sympathetic service to all our clients regardless of whether they are paying privately or are eligible for legal aid.
We advise on the legal and practical aspects of adoption as well as representing birth parents, adoptive parents, and children in court. We also advise on the alternatives to adoption because it is not the only choice where a child cannot continue to live with his or her birth family. There are other possibilities including child arrangement orders or special guardianship orders.
At TV Edwards we see the full picture, so we’ll talk to you about what happens after adoption has taken place. If you are a parent of a child who is to be adopted, we will advise you on any right to post-adoption contact and tell you about the support that might be available to all involved.
Why Choose TV Edwards?
Our specialist family team is top ranked in Chambers UK and highly commended in the Legal 500 2025 legal directories. The department has been recognised in The Times as a top 20 firm for family law in their 2025 guide.
Having a large team of dedicated and specialist solicitors means that we can advise in a wide range of family cases, including divorce, finances and children. Our specialist expert divorce solicitors handle complex cases with significant assets. Our specialist children lawyers are often at the forefront of family law handling groundbreaking cases in the high court and court of appeal.
We are passionate about the work do and are committed to provide exceptional client service to get you the best possible outcome in often stressful circumstances.
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Adoption Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a solicitor for adoption?
Yes, as adoption is a legal process, you should have an adoption solicitor appointed to assist you through the process. When adopting, there is legal paperwork and court appearances involved, so a solicitor will be your point of contact to ensure everything is compliant and overcomes any challenges you may face.
How Much Does It Cost To Adopt A Child In The UK?
Where Legal Aid is not available we can quote you a competitive price for our work. See our funding guide to find out more.
How Long Does Adoption Take In The UK?
There are several stages of the adoption process. It takes approximately 6 months to complete stage 1 and stage 2 of the approval process.
The timescale depends on the situation you are in, whether you are a step parent, adopting a foster child or international adoption will depend heavily on the amount of time it takes.
What Is The Maximum Age To Adopt A Child In The UK?
There is not an upper limit to age to be able to adopt, as long as you meet the minimum age of 21. Other factors will be considered during the adoption process, such as health.
What Can Stop You From Adopting A Child?
There are certain factors that may stop or halt the adoption process. These include:
- Health: chronic physical and mental health conditions may stop you from adopting if you cannot fulfil parental demands adoption may bring. Your smoking status may also be a factor.
- Criminal Record: If you or a family member has a criminal record, an investigation will be opened as part of the process. Fertility Treatments: Families currently undergoing fertility treatment can be denied adoption approval.
Factors mostly depend on the severity and it doesn’t always stop you from adoption. Our expert team always assess each case individually and give you tailored advice from the start.
Can I Adopt My Stepchild Without the Father’s Consent?
This depends on each circumstance, usually adoption will require consent or a mutual agreement. Ultimately, this will be decided in court, where factors such as involvement in the child’s life is considered in the past, present and future. Our adoption solicitors will help you every step of the way.
Can My Partner Adopt My Child If The Father Isn’t On The Birth Certificate?
Yes, it is possible to adopt a child if the Father isn’t named on the birth certificate. This is because, legally, they do not hold parental rights. Though, this isn’t to say that the Father will not be contacted during the process.
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