Adoption is one of the most important steps an adult or child can take. An adopted person is treated in law as if born as the child of the adopter, the adopters become the child’s parents with full parental responsibility for the child.

The law on Adoption is complicated, however our Adoption law team has substantial experience in advising and guiding clients through the process.

If you have children that the local authority are seeking to place for adoption then our specialist childcare solicitors can help.

Adoption Breakdown

It’s hoped that adoption marks the start of a new future for both the adoptive family and adopted child. Expectations are high on both sides, and in many cases it’s a long hoped-for arrangement. In some cases however, for any number of reasons, this may not be the case.

The breakdown of adoption is something that is seldom discussed. It’s an experience that few parents wish to share, partly for fear of being blamed, however research by Adoption UK suggests that around a third of adoptions encounter severe and ongoing issues.

A number of factors can lead to the breakdown of an adoptive arrangement. In many cases, adopted children have had a difficult start to life, and will sometimes have spent many years in care, following removal from a dis-functional or even abuse situation. Pre-existing trauma can put unbearable stress on the new family unit, and in some cases, this can lead to the breakdown of the adoption.

It’s important to understand that adoptions sometimes break down despite the very best efforts of the adoptive parents. In this case, it’s vital to understand the next steps to ensure minimal disruption and suffering for all involved. Our team includes experts on adoption breakdown, who can help you understand the options available to you.

The next steps may involve support from the local authorities (such as therapy and respite care) or submitting a request for the child to be re-accommodated by the local authority.

Sometimes the situation with progress to the Local Authority issuing care proceedings. If the situation develops to this point, we can provide legal representation to parents.

Our adoption law team can help with

Securing Local Authority support
Taking you through the court process
Advising on your financial position
Care proceedings if necessary
Talking to Social Services

How much will it cost?

At JWP Solicitors we always have a transparent approach to our fees. Our solicitors will always at the outset of your case set out clearly the likely costs. For some adoption cases we will be able to offer you a fixed price for the work once we have obtained full details of your case. In the alternative, we will carry out work at our hourly rate.

Legal aid is available in some circumstances for adoption cases. We will always assess you for eligibility.

You can contact us at any time free of charge during the course of, or at the conclusion of your case, with any queries in relation to costs or any other area of client care. Your solicitor will discuss with you at the outset an appropriate plan for the payment of our legal costs.

Our Adoption Services Specialists

For more information please get in touch

For more information please get in touch