Adopting a child, or having a child via a surrogate, is one of the most rewarding yet life-changing decisions you can make. We know that the legal side of things can sometimes feel a bit daunting. Our dedicated team of specialist solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way, offering clear, practical advice and unwavering support.
Talk to one of our friendly and experienced team on 01442 872311
If you’re adopting within the UK or welcoming a child into your family via a surrogate, we’ll work closely with you to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Every family’s journey is unique, and we’re here to provide bespoke guidance that fits your situation perfectly.
With years of experience in children law, you can trust us to handle the complexities while you focus on building your future as a family.
Adoption is a significant legal process that permanently transfers parental responsibility to adoptive parents, making the child a full and cherished member of their new family. Whether you’re adopting a child already in care, pursuing stepchild adoption, or navigating a contested case, having an experienced solicitor by your side is vital to keep everything on track and as stress-free as possible.
Surrogacy is the process by which a woman carries and gives birth to a baby on behalf of another individual or couple, known as the intended parents. There are two main types of surrogacy:
Under English law, the woman who gives birth to a child is always recognised as the child’s legal mother, regardless of whether she is the genetic mother (as in gestational surrogacy). If the surrogate is married, her spouse is considered the legal father unless legal steps are taken to change this.
Surrogacy agreements in the UK are not legally enforceable, which can make navigating disputes or uncertainties challenging. This is why having experienced legal support is crucial.
We can guide you through the whole process and address any disputes between intended parents and surrogates that may arise.
Our specialist solicitors are here to guide you through each step of the adoption or surrogacy process. Whatever your circumstances, we’re here to help you take each step confidently. Adoption and surrogacy can be complex, but with the right legal support, it doesn’t have to be daunting.
Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
Here’s how our adoption solicitors can help you:
Adoption is the process that allows a child to become a permanent and legal member of their adoptive family. It involves applying for an adoption order, which transfers full parental responsibility from the birth parents to the adoptive parents. This process often includes working with social services, obtaining a placement order (if needed), and attending court hearings to finalise everything.
The adoption process typically takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months, but this can vary depending on the circumstances. For example, contested adoptions or delays with placement orders might extend the timeline. Rest assured, we’ll keep things moving as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
To adopt a stepchild, you’ll need to apply for an adoption order to become their legal parent. Usually, this process requires the consent of the child’s other biological parent. If they don’t give their consent, the court may decide whether their permission is necessary based on the child’s best interests. We’re here to help you navigate this process every step of the way.
Adopting through a local authority is usually free. However, for private adoptions or stepchild adoptions, there may be costs involved, such as court fees and solicitor fees. We offer clear and transparent pricing, so you’ll always know what to expect.
Family mediation is a process where an impartial third party helps families resolve disputes in a calm and constructive way. While it’s not required for adoption, mediation can be invaluable in contested cases. It can help resolve conflicts and reach agreements without the need for prolonged court proceedings, making the process less stressful for everyone involved.
Yes, surrogacy is legal in the UK. However, commercial surrogacy (where the surrogate is paid beyond reasonable expenses) is prohibited. Surrogacy agreements are not legally binding, making legal advice essential.
We can guide you through the whole process and address any disputes between intended parents and surrogates that may arise:
The cost of surrogacy varies depending on factors such as IVF expenses, medical fees, and reasonable expenses for the surrogate. Costs can range from £20,000 to £50,000 or more. Our team can provide advice on managing these costs.
A Parental Order is a legal document that transfers parental rights from the surrogate to the intended parents. It is necessary for the intended parents to be recognised as the legal parents in the UK.
Surrogacy involves intricate legal requirements, especially regarding Parental Orders and agreements. Legal advice ensures compliance with UK laws and safeguards your rights throughout the process.
Technology is changing the face of domestic abuse. From spyware to AI-driven financial control, abusers are using digital tools to harm and intimidate. Our family law team is here to help survivors navigate these complex challenges and secure the protection they deserve.
When a marriage comes to an end, sorting out the finances is often one of the most difficult parts. It’s not just about dividing money and property – it’s about making sure both people can move forward, especially when children are involved. While many assume that everything is split 50/50, that’s just a starting point.
A landmark high net worth divorce settlement case saw a wife awarded £13 million following a lengthy financial dispute. The judgment highlights how courts approach asset division, disclosure failures, and post-separation conduct in complex divorces.
Our experienced solicitors are on hand to give you advice and assistance.
Call our team on 01442 872311 or Contact Us and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
