Step-Parent Adoption
Experts in Step-Parent Adoption
If you are the step-parent of a child whom you wish to adopt, contact our specialist adoption lawyers who can advice you of the process. Our lawyers also represent the biological parents of a child whom they wish their partner to adopt and children who wish to be adopted by a step-parent.
“Osbornes handle a significant amount of complex, high-value divorce work.”
“Naomi Angell is the fount of all knowledge on adoption and surrogacy cases. She is a lawyer to whom judges defer.”
Step-family adoption
There are an increasing number of step-families in the UK and abroad. The understandable wish to make the child officially a member of their new family means that adoption is often thought of as the solution.
Adoption may be the answer for instance where the child’s other parent has died or has had no contact with the child. However, it is now recognised as important for a child to maintain as close a relationship as possible with both of their birth parents, whether they were married or not, Step parent adoption ends the legal relationship with the absent parent so that only their custodial parent and their new partner become the child’s legal parents.
The Adoption and Children Act 2002 introduce other options for step parents which give legal status to a step parent without ending the child’s legal relationship with their other parent.
- Related reading: What is Parental Responsibility?
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How we can help with step parent adoption
We are able to advise on the range of options, assist with drawing up step parent agreements and offer representation in whatever court process is decided to be best for the individual child.
With our expertise in International Adoption, we can also provide advice and representation to a step parent who marries a foreign national abroad with a child by a previous relationship and where it is the plan for the child to become a full legal member of the new family, with British nationality.
If you are the step parent of a child whom you wish to adopt, the biological parent of a child whom you wish your partner to adopt or perhaps you are child who wishes to be adopted by a step parent please contact either Naomi or Bridget for a confidential chat. After hearing the specifics of your case they will be able to provide you with further information and options available to you. They will also give you an indication of the process, what will be required of you and the possible time frames involved.
Contact us
To speak to a specialist adoption lawyer or the wider family law team please:
- Call us on 020 7485 8811, or
- Fill in the online form below.
Step-parent adoption FAQs
What does it mean to legally adopt your stepchild?
Legally adopting your stepchild means you become their official parent in the eyes of the law, with full parental responsibility. The child’s non‑resident birth parent will lose parental rights, and you’re recognised as the child’s parent for life, even if your relationship with their birth parent ends.
Who needs to give consent for a step‑parent adoption?
In most cases, both birth parents must consent before an adoption order can be made. If one cannot be found or won’t give permission, the court may still allow the adoption, but only if it’s best for the child and after considering all the circumstances.
What are the main advantages and disadvantages of adopting your stepchild?
The main advantage of step‑parent adoption is that, under English law, the adopted child is treated exactly the same as if they were the adopting parent’s biological child. This gives the child long‑term security, particularly if there is an absent birth parent and the step‑parent wishes to take on that role permanently.
However, it also means the other birth parent loses all legal ties to the child, along with their wider family. The child will no longer have legal rights to their financial support or inheritance (although these can be written into a will). Adoption can also be an emotional step, and some children may find it difficult to understand.
Our family law solicitors can help you weigh up these pros and cons and decide whether adoption is the best approach for your family.
There are plenty of options for achieving similar outcomes if adoption is not right for you, or if the other parent objects.
Do I have to be married to adopt my partner’s child?
You do not have to be married, but you should be in a stable and committed relationship. Many local authorities expect you to have lived together for at least one to two years before adopting.
Can a stepchild refuse to be adopted?
Yes. If a child is old enough to understand what adoption means, the court will listen to their wishes. Usually, children aged 10 and older are considered capable of making this decision, but it depends on their maturity.
Can I adopt my stepchild if we live abroad?
Adoption laws vary if you live outside the UK or if the child is born abroad. It is usually more complicated and may require additional steps. Speaking to a specialist international adoption lawyer is recommended.
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."
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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.
