At Child Law Partnership, we provide a comprehensive list of services covering the full spectrum of issues that arise within adoption law. As a complex and highly specialised area of law, we have extensive experience at dealing with specific cases as well as keeping up to date with policy amendments that affect our clients. We represent prospective adopters, children, children’s biological parents, children’s guardians and other family members.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

Q: What areas of adoption do you cover?
A: We cover every aspect of adoption law including international adoption, adoption from care, step-parent adoption, adoption by relatives, children to be adopted abroad, as well as all post-adoption issues that may arise. We provide specialist advice, a sympathetic ear and representation in court if required.

Q: My children live with myself and my new partner and he wants to adopt my child. Does he have automatic rights as we are married?
A: There is no clear-cut answer to this as there are many factors that will be considered. For example, if the child’s biological parent has died or has no contact with the child, adoption could be a consideration. However, the Courts do recognise the importance of maintaining the relationship between the child and both biological parents regardless of their marital status. When a person adopts their partner’s child, it means they are then the legal parent and it ends the legal relationship with the absent parent.

Q: I am looking to adopt with my partner and we would love to adopt a child from abroad. Is this the same process as adopting in the UK?
A: Adoption from abroad introduces a range of further complexities due to additional immigration issues. We can offer you expert advice on everything from the assessment process to foreign adoption laws. We work closely alongside immigration lawyers and lawyers from the international country to ensure the best possible outcome for you and the child. We also deal with cases where a child from the UK is to be adopted abroad.

Q: I am due to give birth soon and have decided it is best if I give up my child for adoption. Do I need to start the process before I give birth?
A: No, many parents do not make a decision until after they give birth as to what is best for their child. If this is a path you are considering taking we would advise you to contact us and discuss it at length to ensure you are fully informed of your options and rights.