Who can now adopt?

Married and unmarried couples, including same sex couples, and individuals can all apply to adopt a child. Every situation is different but what is central is that the adoption is for the benefit of the child.   

The requirements for adopting a baby or young child will be more fixed than for an older child where the criteria may be a little more flexible. Depending on individual circumstances, the child’s mother or father would normally require to consent to the adoption, however, there are certain situations where their consent will not be required, for example, if they are deemed to be unfit to care for the child, if they are dead, if they cannot be found or if they are incapable of giving their consent.  

In most cases,  the court will take into account the length of time the child has resided with you (where applicable) before an adoption order is granted by the court, as well as various other factors. If you need advice about the adoption process or the implications of adopting then we can help.