Adoption
If you wish to adopt a child, there are two ways in which you can become an approved adopter. Both operate within the same legal framework 
and are inspected and registered by the same inspection bodies. You can be assessed and approved by a Voluntary Adoption Agency or by a Local Authority Adoption Service.
You are required to provide your Local Authority with written notice prior to making an application to Court for an adoption order. The Local Authority will then conduct their investigations and prepare any necessary assessments/reports. This process can take up to six months.
Once you have been matched and approved as an adopter, you will need to apply to court to make the adoption legal. Carltons Solicitors will be able to assist you in this process by preparing the relevant applications and representing you at Court in the adoption proceedings.
The child must have lived with you for at least 10 weeks prior to issuing an application to Court. However, different rules apply if it is a private adoption. Please contact us for more information in this regard.
Once the adoption order has been granted by the court, the adoption becomes permanent and you will receive an adoption certificate, showing the child’s new name which will replace the original birth certificate. The order will give you parental responsibility for the child.
For further information, please contact Carltons.
