Legal support for adoption in the United Kingdom

What the solicitor does:

• conducts an interview with the client (in person or online);
• analyses the circumstances of the case: marital status, citizenship, legal status in the United Kingdom, type of adoption (through an agency, relative, partner, etc.);
• assesses the legal grounds for adoption in accordance with the Adoption and Children Act 2002;
• prepares a written legal opinion on the possibility of adoption and a strategy for further action.

What the solicitor does:

• assists with the application to the local council or accredited agency;
• provides support during the preparation for the social assessment (home study): prepares the client for meetings with social workers;
• checks and corrects questionnaires, autobiographies, and letters of recommendation;
• monitors the process of medical examinations, DBS (criminal record) checks and home environment assessments.

What the solicitor does:

• prepares a complete set of documents for submission to the Family Court (Form A58, copies of the agency's conclusions, the child's birth certificate, the biological parents' consent or documents confirming their deprivation of parental rights, etc.);
• advises the client on the specifics of the court proceedings;
• submits the application on behalf of the client or prepares the client to submit it independently;
• interacts with court clerks and monitors the progress of the case.

What the solicitor does:

• prepares the client for the hearing, models possible questions from the court;
• if necessary, represents the client at the court hearing;
• corresponds with the court if additional documents are requested;
• obtains and checks the adoption order (Adoption Order), assists in obtaining a new birth certificate for the child.

What the solicitor does:

• advises on changing the surname, registering with a GP, schools, etc.;
• assists with visa or immigration legalisation procedures for the child (if applicable);
• provides advice on the child's property and inheritance rights.