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In all adoption cases the courts’ primary responsibility is to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child. Accordingly, an adoption order will not be made if another arrangement—more suitable for the child—can be found. The consent of the child’s birth parents (and of the child itself if he or she is 12 years old) must be obtained although, in certain circumstances, this consent can be dispensed with by the courts.
If you are considering the possibility of adopting a child, Bathgate Family Law Practice may be able to assist you. Similarly, if you are opposed to an adoption order being made (or an application by the local authority for a Permanency Order), we will try our best to help. For more information, contact Martin Burns.
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Adoptions |
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The law relating to adoption changed recently. Previously, only married couples could make joint applications to adopt a child. Now, joint applications can be made by married couples, civil partners or, in certain circumstances, cohabiting couples. |
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Another common type of Adoption arises when one party to a marriage (usually the husband) wishes to adopt his wife’s child from a previous relationship. In such a situation, the consent of the wife to the adoption is clearly necessary. |