Adoption law solicitors — expert legal support for your family journey

Adoption is one of the most profound steps a family can take. At Tees Law, our specialist adoption solicitors guide you through every stage of the process. Whether you are adopting domestically, from overseas, or as a step-parent, we are here to provide expert, compassionate support.

What does adoption law cover?

Adoption law in England and Wales is governed by the Adoption and Children Act 2002 and covers all legal proceedings required to permanently transfer parental responsibility from birth parents to adoptive parents.

The process is both emotional and legally complex — requiring court approval, detailed assessments, and often the involvement of local authorities and social workers. At Tees Law, we provide end-to-end legal support for every type of adoption, ensuring you understand each step and feel confident in the decisions being made.

“Our adoption solicitors have supported hundreds of families through one of the most significant decisions of their lives. We bring expertise and empathy in equal measure.”

Whether you are considering domestic adoption, a step-parent adoption, intercountry adoption, or transitioning from fostering to a permanent legal arrangement, our experienced team offers expert guidance at every stage.

We also advise birth parents who are navigating this difficult process, ensuring their rights are respected and their voice is heard.

Tees Law brings decades of family law experience to adoption cases, offering sensitive, practical advice that prioritises the welfare of the child and the needs of the family.

Send us an enquiry

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How we can help

Domestic adoption

Our team guides prospective adopters through the full domestic adoption process in England and Wales, from initial enquiries with local authorities and voluntary agencies through to court hearings and the granting of an adoption order. We ensure you understand each legal requirement and timeline.

Step-parent adoption

Step-parent adoption allows a partner to become the legal parent of their step-child. We handle the court application, consent processes, and any complications that arise, including cases where the non-resident parent does not consent. Our solicitors manage these sensitive matters with care.

Intercountry adoption

Adopting a child from overseas involves complex international and UK law, including compliance with the Hague Convention. Tees Law provides specialist advice on eligibility assessments, home studies, and the legal recognition of foreign adoption orders in England and Wales.

Fostering to adoption

For foster carers looking to permanently adopt a child in their care, we provide legal support through the transition process. This includes applications for adoption orders, managing local authority involvement, and ensuring the child’s welfare remains at the heart of every decision.

Birth parent advice

We advise birth parents who are considering or facing adoption proceedings. Our solicitors ensure your rights are protected, explain the legal process clearly, and provide representation in court where necessary. We approach every case with sensitivity and without judgement.

Contested adoptions

When adoption is contested by a birth parent, family member, or local authority, legal proceedings become more complex. Our experienced adoption solicitors provide robust representation in court, ensuring the best interests of the child remain paramount throughout the process.

The adoption journey — step by step

Initial consultation

We discuss your adoption goals, explain the legal framework, assess your eligibility, and outline the steps ahead — providing clarity from the very first conversation.

Assessment & preparation

Working alongside local authorities and social workers, we help you navigate home studies, background checks, and preparation courses required before approval.

Matching & placement

Once approved, we support the matching process and advise on legal considerations during the placement period, ensuring all requirements are properly fulfilled.

Adoption order application

We prepare and submit your adoption order application to the court, handling all documentation, statements, and procedural requirements on your behalf.

Adoption order granted

Following a successful hearing, the court grants the adoption order — permanently transferring parental responsibility and completing your family’s journey.

Specialist adoption solicitors you can trust

At Tees Law, adoption is not a sideline — it is a core part of our family law practice.Our dedicated adoption solicitors have guided hundreds of families through the adoption process, from initial consultations through to the granting of adoption orders.

We understand that adoption involves much more than legal paperwork. It is a deeply personal journey that requires patience, sensitivity, and expert knowledge.

Our team works closely with local authorities, social workers, and the courts to ensure every step of your adoption proceeds as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

We are committed to providing clear, practical advice at every stage — so you always know where you stand and what comes next.

500+

Adoptions Supported

20+ Yrs

Adoption Expertise

98%

Client Satisfaction

Our approach to every adoption case

Every adoption case is unique, and we treat it that way. From the outset, we take time to understand your circumstances, your goals, and any concerns you may have.

Our solicitors work collaboratively with local authorities, Cafcass, and social services to ensure the process moves forward efficiently.

We provide clear, jargon-free advice at every stage — whether you are a first-time adopter, a step-parent formalising an existing relationship, or a foster carer seeking permanence. Our approach is built on open communication, thorough preparation, and unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcome for your family.

500+

Adoptions supported

20+ Years

Adoption expertise

Nationwide

Legal advice

Accredited

Intercountry specialists

Adoption law — frequently asked questions

How long does the adoption process take in the UK?

The adoption process typically takes between six months and two years, depending on the type of adoption and individual circumstances. Domestic adoptions through local authorities usually involve an assessment period of four to six months, followed by a matching process and a minimum ten-week placement before an adoption order can be applied for. Intercountry adoptions often take longer due to additional international requirements.

Can a single person adopt a child in England and Wales?

Yes, single people can absolutely adopt in England and Wales. The law does not require adopters to be married or in a partnership. The key consideration is whether the prospective adopter can provide a stable, loving, and secure home for the child. Our solicitors regularly assist single adopters through the legal process, ensuring their application is presented as strongly as possible.

What is the difference between step-parent adoption and a child arrangements order?

A step-parent adoption permanently transfers full parental responsibility to the step-parent and legally severs the relationship with the non-resident birth parent. A child arrangements order establishes where a child lives and who they spend time with but does not change the child’s legal parentage. Step-parent adoption is a more permanent and legally significant step.

Do birth parents have to consent to adoption?

In most cases, birth parents must give formal consent to the adoption. However, the court can dispense with consent if it determines that the welfare of the child requires it, for example in cases involving neglect, abuse, or abandonment. Our team advises both adoptive parents and birth parents on the consent process, ensuring all parties understand their legal rights.

How much does it cost to adopt through a solicitor?

Legal costs for adoption vary depending on the complexity of the case. At Tees Law, we offer a fixed-fee initial consultation for five hundred pounds, giving you a clear understanding of the process and likely costs from the outset. We are transparent about our fees and provide detailed cost estimates before any work begins.

Speak to an adoption solicitor — fixed initial fee

Our fixed-fee initial consultation gives you a comprehensive understanding of the adoption process, your legal options, and the likely timeline. You will speak directly with an experienced adoption solicitor who can answer your questions and provide practical advice — all for a transparent, fixed price with no obligation to proceed.

£500

Initial consultation fee — fixed price

From the moment we first spoke to our solicitor at Tees, we felt completely supported. The adoption process can be overwhelming — there are so many legal steps, assessments, and emotional hurdles — but our solicitor guided us through every single one with patience and genuine care. They explained everything clearly, kept us informed at every stage, and were always available when we had questions. We cannot thank the team enough for helping us complete our family.

Jane Doe, Hertfordshire

Senior Associate

Family Law

Contact us today

Please complete this form and one of our adoption law specialists will be in touch with you shortly. Or call us directly using the number below — we’re happy to talk through your situation in confidence.

Telephone

0800 013 1165

hello@teeslaw.com

Open hours

Mon–Fri, 9:00am–5:30pm