Adoption Solicitors based in Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham
How Our Adoption Solicitors Can Help
There are several types of adoption which are all complex, but we’re here to help. Our Children Law team are here to simplify the process and give clients a clear understanding of both the formalities and responsibilities. It’s our job to make everything clear, to guide you through and to make you feel as comfortable as possible with the whole process.
Our children law specialists can act for anyone seeking to adopt a child – step parents, couples or singles, married or unmarried, and same sex couples – and we can advise on all types of adoption arrangements, including:
- Adoption by step parent, relatives, foster parent(s) or from care
- International adoption – where the child is being brought from outside of England and Wales, and immigration laws also apply
- Special Guardianship Orders
Are you Eligible for Legal Aid?
Legal aid is available in a wide variety of circumstances for friends and family members when social care are involved with children.
On your initial contact, we can assess your circumstances and advise you as to your eligibility for legal aid. Our Children Law solicitors can help give advice, explain the Public Law Outline Process (PLO), offer confidential legal advice, and they can represent you in Care Proceedings at Court. We can also support you if you receive a letter before proceedings to help explain concerns social services may have and attend at the PLO Meeting with you.
Contact us or call us on 0114 2496666 to book your appointment today and we will be happy to assess you and advise you as to your eligibility of legal aid.
How Does Adoption Work?
The main piece of legislation governing the law of adoption is the Adoption and Children Act 2002, which should be considered with reference to the Children Act 1989.
After the court makes an Adoption Order, an adopted child is treated in law as if they are the legitimate child of the adopters. The effect of adoption is intended to be life-long.
What is the Process of Adoption?
The first step to becoming an approved adopter is to complete a Registration of Interest form. You will also need to undertake training, and undergo background checks to ensure you are suitable.
After this, you will usually have a few meetings with a social worker, who will then produce a Prospective Adopters Report (PAR). The PAR will be presented to the local Adoption Panel, who will make the final decision on whether you are eligible to adopt.
Contact us or call us on 0114 2496666 to book your appointment today.
Adoption Solicitors FAQs
Do You Need a Solicitor for Adoption?
If the adoption process has started, you should get legal advice from a solicitor. To make an adoption legal, a court has to grant a court order.
How Long Does it Take to Adopt a Child in the UK?
The adoption approval process usually takes around 6 months.
Can Anyone Adopt in the UK?
You do not have to be a British citizen to adopt a child. However, you must have a fixed and permanent home in the UK, Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man.