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Adoption

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Understanding your rights and options

Adoption is a life-changing decision - for children, parents, and families. Whether you are facing adoption after care proceedings or exploring adoption as a step-parent, we are here to guide you with clarity, care, and expert legal advice.

Adoption after a care order

If the court has made a care order for your child, they may be placed with a family member or in foster care. In some cases, the court may decide that adoption is in the child’s best interests. This involves a placement order, which allows the Local Authority to place your child with potential adopters.

 

If adoption is being considered, it’s important to know:

  • Legal aid may be available to help you challenge the adoption - even if your child has already been removed from your care.
  • Adoption removes all legal rights from biological parents, so it’s vital to get legal advice early.
  • While contact with birth parents usually ends after adoption, courts are increasingly recognising that ongoing contact may benefit the child. We can help ensure this is properly considered.

Adoption is always a last resort. If there are other safe and suitable options, such as placing your child with extended family or friends, the court may consider alternatives like Special Guardianship.

 

If your circumstances have changed since the care order was made, and you are now able to care for your child, we can help you present that to the court.

 

 

 

Adoption by a step-parent

If you are a step-parent and want to adopt your partner’s child, this may be possible. However, there may be other legal options that better suit your family’s needs. We will help you understand what’s right for your situation and guide you through the process.

 

 

What is Special Guardianship?

A Special Guardianship Order gives parental responsibility to someone who isn’t the child’s parent - such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or close family friend.

  • The child lives with the Special Guardian, who can make important decisions about their care.
  • The child’s parents usually retain parental responsibility, but the Special Guardian’s decisions can override theirs in some situations.

We can advise you on whether Special Guardianship is the right option for your family.

Rebecca Marshall - 8th Nov 2018 - Colour - LR - 056 copy

For legal advice on adoption

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I met with Charlotte through an application of special guardianship for my grandson. Instantly I was made to feel supported, amazing communication from her throughout the whole process, today we won and I am forever thankful to Charlotte and the team for the support and dedication they provided to me and my family. Reception staff always helpful when trying to communicate with Charlotte, the whole service was flawless, supportive and I would highly recommend this service. Excellent team and excellent support.

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I would thoroughly recommend Porter Dodson to anyone needing to find a solicitor who they could trust to act to a high standard for them. I received a friendly, welcoming smile from the receptionists as soon as I entered the offices. Julia handled my divorce proceedings very professionally, with care, concern and understanding. I have a very high regard for her, I know I could never have had a better solicitor acting for me. Julia's assistants are also very professional, helpful and friendly. As Marks and Spencer say ‘There's food, and there's M&S food’ well I can honestly say ‘There's solicitors, and there's Porter Dodson solicitors.’ Top quality professionalism throughout from the solicitors, their assistants and the receptionists. I cannot thank them enough.

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Isobel represented me through a complex two-year family law case. From the start, her legal expertise and focus on my children’s welfare were clear. As proceedings grew complicated, she remained calm, strategic, and remarkably efficient. Isobel offered honest, fair advice and built a true partnership based on trust. After an exceptionally long and difficult process, we achieved everything we set out to accomplish. I am enormously grateful for her resilience and guidance, and recommend her without hesitation.

Family Client

We used Porter Dodson in Bridport for a Declaration of Trust. Karen Watts was both kind and professional throughout. She explained everything to us very clearly, and having her to guide us through the process made it straightforward and reassuring. All the team are so courteous and helpful, we will always use and recommend them. Sincere thanks again.

Maureen

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