Adoption Solicitors
At Morecrofts, our expert family law specialists have unrivaled experience of adoption law. The family law team includes solicitors accredited by Resolution as experts in adoption law.
If children are being adopted through the care system then usually a placement order will have been made and the subsequent adoption hearing may not be contentious. However, there may be issues that are difficult such as challenges to the placement order or contact post adoption where we can advise and act. We can advise foster carers or prospective adopters in these situations.
We can also advise birth parents of any application they may be able to make and how the provisions of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 affect them. We can advise potential adopters on the approval process with Adoption agencies and local authorities and any difficulties that have arisen or potential applications through the independent review mechanism. We can issue or advise on applications in courts throughout the country depending on the initial whereabouts of the children or the applicants.
Step–parent adoption can be a minefield of regulation and legal requirements, and we can help you through that maze and advise as to whether it is the best order for your family. There are other possibilities such as joint residence orders which may be more appropriate. For Grandparents then a special guardianship order may be another option.
We have specialised knowledge of international adoptions and can advise on the procedure in this country of being approved for adoption and the subsequent possible applications in the English courts. We can advise on unusual situations where children from abroad are in this country already and questions of adoption have arisen. It is a complex area of law and deals with the illegality of bringing children from abroad into this country without prior authority and requires expert knowledge which Morecrofts does have.
We understand how worrying legal costs can be so have a range of payment options available to suit your budget and needs. In some cases the local authority may assist prospective adopters. We offer fixed fee packages alongside our traditional fee system and we work with you to decide which is best for you and your family. We will assess whether you are eligible for legal aid and, as we have a contract with the Legal Aid Agency, we can grant legal aid immediately if necessary.
To find out more about our first class adoption law services, call 0151 236 8871, email info@morecrofts.co.uk or use our contact form.