Specialist legal advice concerning adoption

Adoption Solicitors

Adopting a child is a major decision with significant legal implications. At Nelsons, our expert team of solicitors in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham understand this sensitive and complex process and can guide you from the outset right up to the issue of the adoption certificate.

The path to becoming an adoptive parent, whether you are adopting a child from the UK or abroad, is long and can be difficult. In either case, you will be assessed by the Local Authority, and with international adoptions, there are extra issues to consider, such as foreign adoption laws and UK immigration laws.

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How our specialist team of adoption solicitors can help

At Nelsons, we have a unique and highly specialist team of adoption solicitors who have extensive knowledge of this specialist area of law.

We can assist with all aspects of the adoption process, including applications, assessments and orders. We can also provide advice concerning parental and birth parent rights.

Please note that we can only advise on a Legal Aid basis for public law/care proceedings.

Meet the team

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Our expertise

Our children law team includes:

  • Resolution Accredited Specialists
  • Law Society Family Panel & Advanced Family Panel members
  • Law Society Children Panel Members

Our expertise in children law is also recognised by the independent directories, The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.

Testimonials…

  • "Nelsons...has an experienced family and children law practice, and is noted for its strength in cases with an international element. The family team...regularly advises high-net-worth individuals on financial relief cases..."

    The Legal 500

  • “Accomplished practice noted for both matrimonial and childcare matters. Appropriately equipped to assist with public and private children law, including adoptions, child abductions and non-accidental injury cases..."

    Chambers and Partners

  • "...Active in high-value financial remedy matters, including those involving trusts, commercial assets and cross-border aspects.”

    Chambers and Partners (Continued)

  • "Nelsons...is a leading firm in family law. They represent people from all walks of life and always give 110% to all of their cases. Their diversity is exceptional..."

    The Legal 500 2023

  • "...Unlike other solicitors they are always on hand to speak by phone or email, night or day or weekend. They will take the most challenging pro bono cases to ensure that clients have the best representation and advocacy."

    The Legal 500 2023 (Continued)

  • "Midlands powerhouse Nelsons Solicitors Limited houses family law specialists in each of its three offices..."

    The Legal 500 2023

  • "Superb family law team, class A and the absolute go to in children law and financial relief on divorce. They far outweigh their competitors in every aspect..."

    Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024

  • "...The people provide hands on support and client care from the outset concentrating on strategy and approach. Given their wealth of experience, they are financially competitive."

    Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024 (Continued)

  • "Nelsons are an well-established and highly respected firm, deservedly so. They cover a number of disciplines with the utmost professionalism. They are a pleasure to deal with and prominent in the local legal community."

    Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024

To discuss how our adoption solicitors in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham can help you, please contact us via our online form or call 0800 024 1976 for a guaranteed response.

Make an enquiry

If you wish to contact us, please complete the form below. A member of our team will be in touch as soon as possible. When you submit this form, you are consenting to a member of our team to contact you via phone or email regarding your request. We encourage you to review our Privacy Notice for detailed information on how we manage and protect your data.

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Adoption Advice FAQS

Below, we have answered some frequently asked questions concerning adoption advice

  • Who can adopt?

    Adoption is open to individuals and couples regardless of their marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Prospective adopters must be at least 21 years old, and there is no upper age limit.

  • What is the adoption process like in the UK?

    The adoption process involves several stages, including application, assessment, preparation, matching, and legal proceedings. Prospective adopters undergo a thorough assessment to ensure their suitability to adopt.

  • How long does the adoption process take?

    The duration of the adoption process can vary, but it typically takes several months to complete. Delays may occur based on factors such as the availability of suitable matches and the complexity of individual cases.

  • What are the different types of adoption?
    • Domestic adoption – the adoption of a child within England and Wales, where the child is either a family member or in the care of the local authority
    • International adoption – an adoption where the child is being brought from a country outside England and Wales
    • Step-parent adoption
    • Foster parent adoption
    • Local Authority adoption – when it is your child who is potentially being placed for adoption by a local authority
    • Surrogacy adoption

Get in touch

Speak to us now on 0800 024 1976Email Us

Our East Midlands Offices

Nelsons Derby

Tel: 01332 372372

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Nelsons Leicester

Tel: 0116 222 6666

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Nelsons Nottingham

Tel: 0115 958 6262

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