Adoption Solicitor Glasgow

What is Adoption?

Adoption can be a long and emotional process however, with a compassionate and empathetic solicitor by your side, it need not be a stressful or complicated one. Our team of dedicated adoption solicitors will ensure that they keep you informed throughout the entire process. 

Adoption is a legal process. The process aims to provide parental rights and responsibilities for a child to the applicant. The applicant will become the legal parent if the adoption application is successful. The child’s biological parents are no longer considered their legal parent, and their parental rights and responsibilities are removed. 

At times, fostering can be confused for adoption however, they are very different processes. Fostering is a temporary arrangement. Adoption is a permanent one. 

When are you Eligible to Adopt a Child in Scotland?

To adopt a child, you comply with certain criteria. You must be at least 21 years of age. However, there is no upper age limit on adoption. Where parties are in a relationship, and one of them is the biological parent, they must be at least 18 years of age, with the adopter being at least 21.

Some people may assume that they must be married to adopt. This is not the case. Married couples, civil partners, same-sex couples and those in enduring relationships can make an application to adopt a child. Moreover, while some applicants are married or in relationships, this is not necessary. Divorcees and people who are single can also adopt. 

You can adopt whether you do or do not have children of your own. 

If you have a criminal record or previous convictions, it does not follow that you will not be allowed to adopt. There will be certain crimes, such as offences against children, which will preclude adoption. Otherwise, the local authority and agency will consider the circumstances surrounding the conviction before making a decision. 

Another common misconception is that you must be employed to adopt. Or that you must earn a certain level of income to be considered. Neither of these are true. However, it is important to note that you will likely be asked to demonstrate that you have the resources available to provide the necessary support to the child. 

Medical reports are a standard part of the application process. Serious illness can regrettably result in an application for adoption being rejected. 

Race, culture and language are factors which are taken into consideration when deciding on an adoption order. However, there is no legal requirement for children to be placed with parents who have the same racial, cultural or linguistic backgrounds. 

What is the Adoption Process?

There are primarily two ways in which an application for an adoption can be made: – 

1. Through an Adoption Agency;
2. Where you already know the child. For example, where they are a close relative or the child of a spouse or partner. 

If your application falls within the first set of circumstances, then you can either approach the adoption agency which is associated with your local authority. Alternatively, you can use any other adoption agency in your area. Once accepted by the adoption agency, it can take a little time for a suitable child to be found. To find a suitable child, details are added to the national adoption register. Local authorities can then match the child to the prospective parent(s). 

If your application falls within the second set of circumstances, then you must make the local authority aware of your intention and wish to adopt the child. In turn, the local authority must investigate the circumstances and prepare a report. This report is provided to the Sheriff in the local Sheriff Court as this is the person who will ultimately decide whether an adoption order should be granted,

In either set of circumstances, a child who is 12 and over must agree to the adoption order being granted. Even for children under the age of 12, their views are important, and the court will consider these when it is appropriate to do so in all of the circumstances. 

International Adoption

Adopting a child from overseas can be longer and more complex. It is first necessary to check if the country you wish to adopt from allows cross-border adoption. Where this is possible, you will then need to be assessed and approved.

The Glasgow Law Practice Expert Adoption Lawyers

The Glasgow Law Practice has a dedicated team of family lawyers who are experts in the field of Adoption law, ensuring the best outcomes for children and young people and their prospective families. It is some of the most important legal work that our Firm undertakes, particularly in the area of child law and family law. You can be assured that our team of child law solicitors can represent you at all stages of the process. 

Your compassionate and reliable family law solicitors in Glasgow. Our dedicated team of family law experts is committed to providing you with exceptional legal representation and support during challenging times. We understand that family matters can be emotionally charged and complex, and we are here to guide you through every step of the legal process with sensitivity and expertise. We recognise that it is a privilege to work with adults who wish to adopt a child.