Adoption from Care
Adoption from Foster Care
Following a care order being made, discussions may begin concerning adoption of the child. Our adoption lawyers advice birth parents and relatives contesting an adoption order or seeking contact, prospective adoptive parents in complicated proceedings and the child where a guardian is appointed.
“Naomi is very knowledgeable on adoption and surrogacy. She is solution-focused and open to ideas.”
“Naomi Angell is the fount of all knowledge on adoption and surrogacy cases. She is a lawyer to whom judges defer.”
How we can help with adoption from foster care
Since the Adoption and Children Act 2002, the main decision about adoption is normally made either when a care order is made in respect of children or shortly afterwards, with the making of a placement order.
It is at this stage that birth parents and other relatives can contest a future adoption. Their opportunities to do so once the child is placed with adopters are very limited. Normally adopters will be helped by their local authority with the adoption process. However, not all cases are straightforward and we provide advice and representation to all those involved in the adoption process, either legally aided, privately funded or funded by the local authority to:
- Prospective adopters where there are complications in the adoption proceedings, such as a birth parent applying for leave to contest the adoption on the grounds that their circumstances have changed, or where birth parents or other relatives are applying for contact on the adoption order being made.
- Birth parents wishing to apply for leave to contest their circumstances have changed since the placement order was made or to apply for contact on adoption.
- Children where they are made parties to the adoption and when a children’s guardian is likely to have been appointed.
- Relatives including siblings of the adopted child on cases such as applying for contact on adoption, or after adoption orders have been made.
Services related to adoption from foster care
Find out more about our adoption services:
Expert adoption lawyers
We understand that adoption cases can be complex and emotionally challenging for everyone involved. Our team is here to provide expert advice at every stage of the adoption process. Whether you’re a prospective adopter facing complications such as contested proceedings, a birth parent seeking to challenge a decision or apply for contact, a child involved in the adoption with a children’s guardian, or a relative navigating post-adoption contact issues, our family lawyers can help.
To speak to an adoption lawyer, Naomi Angell, or a member of her team please:
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- Call us on 020 7485 8811, or
- Fill in the online form below.
Adoption from care FAQs
Can foster carers apply to adopt their foster child?
Yes. Foster carers who have looked after a child continuously for at least 12 months have the right to apply for an adoption order. They must inform their local authority and the court of their intention, and the local authority will submit a report to the court before the case is heard.
Can birth parents or relatives oppose an adoption order?
Birth parents with parental responsibility can challenge an adoption plan before the placement order is made. Relatives without parental responsibility such as wider family members or unmarried fathers would need to apply for a Child Arrangements Order in order to oppose the application.
After the child is placed for adoption, permission from the court is required to oppose the order. This will only be granted if there has been a significant change in circumstances since the original decision. Legal representation is important in these cases.
Will the court allow ongoing contact with the birth family after adoption?
The court may allow this in limited cases if it believes it benefits the child’s welfare. Most post-adoption contact is indirect, but direct contact can occur if the court considers it appropriate and safe.
Do adopters receive support after adoption?
Yes, adopters can access post-adoption support from their local authority and adoption agency. We can help you access these services and help with any disputes that may arise as you navigate your future family relationship.
Naomi Angell has considerable strength in adoption, surrogacy and fertility issues
Naomi Angell is a renowned practitioner in the market with a wealth of experience in family cases involving immigration issues. She has a depth of knowledge in surrogacy issues and is respected for her experience handling adoption matters.
"She is responsive and very knowledgeable – she knows everything on the family law side of adoption and is also very generous with her time."
"Naomi is second to none in her knowledge of adoption and her work in surrogacy is also a strength."
"She has an encyclopaedic knowledge and an in-depth understanding of this work. She's extremely empathetic and can put herself in the client's shoes. She's also very strategic and is good at pre-empting litigation."
"Their family department is very strong, from adoption to child abduction and matrimonial finance, this is a very strong team."
"Naomi Angell is a stand out individual who is well regarded as to the go-to lawyer in her field. What Naomi doesn’t know about adoption is not worth knowing."
"She is the queen of inter-country adoption. She is experienced in the field over a long period of time. She has wonderful client skills and is committed to getting proper outcomes."
"She is an adoption superstar. She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of immigration law, and knows what's on the horizon due to her involvement in policy."
Naomi Angell – the doyenne of adoption and surrogacy family law, dedicated to her clients and hardworking.
The team has considerable strength in adoption, surrogacy and fertility matters through Naomi Angell.
"Highly recommended
Bridget and Amy-Jo were very supportive during what were very stressful proceedings. They were collaborative and I felt listened to and part of a team rather than just a client. We ended up being successful at the hearing.""She's extremely knowledgeable and highly professional."
"She is the guru when it comes to international adoption and she's an expert in her field."
Naomi Angell has a vast wealth of knowledge and experience.
"Naomi Angell is a highly esteemed practitioner who is highlighted as "a leader in the field" and "extremely knowledgeable" by interviewees. She is particularly recognised for her experience in complex adoption disputes."
Bridget Thompson is a public law specialist noted for her extensive practice in matters involving alternative families and adoption. An interviewee observes: "She's a fighter, she's clever, and she understands all aspects of a case."
"Naomi Angell is a leading name in international adoption."
"Recognised for its expertise in both domestic and international adoption, as well as assisted conception."
"Naomi Angell is a leading figure in domestic and inter-country adoptions, and also has expert knowledge of related fertility and surrogacy issues."
"Naomi Angell is phenomenal. She's done it for so long and knows so much that she's a fount of knowledge. If Naomi doesn't know something, it isn't worth knowing."
Naomi Angell is the doyenne of inter-country adoption and the font of all knowledge in this area.
Highly respected for her [Naomi Angell] focused on cross-border children work, including surrogacy matters.
Naomi Angell advises on international adoptions and complex surrogacy matters. She is commended for her broad, in-depth experience."
Naomi Angell is an expert in adoption issues.
Naomi Angell leads the market in cross-border children law matters. Sources confirm that she is "at the cutting edge of changing law and policy" when it comes to international adoption
Naomi Angell is described as hugely experienced, calm and a good listener.
Accreditations
Our Family Lawyers View the whole team
Claire Andrews
Partner
Family LawMark Freedman
Partner
Family LawJonathan Jonas
Associate Solicitor
Family LawMaria Kitsiou
Partner
Family LawLisa Pepper
Partner
Family LawAndrew Watson
Partner
Family LawJoanne Wescott
Partner
Family LawNaomi Angell
Consultant
Family LawDiana Bastow
Associate
Family LawEmily Charlesworth
Trainee Solicitor
Family LawView the
whole team
