Unmarried partners can now adopt as a couple - Family Law - Andersons Solicitors Nottingham

Unmarried couples have long been able to adopt children but only as individuals – their cohabiting partners had no legal rights over the child.

Now that has changed with the Adoption and Children Act coming into force at the beginning of the year. Unmarried and same sex couples can adopt together and enjoy joint legal rights.

The change has been welcomed by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering as the most radical overhaul of adoption law for 30 years.

Until now, some unmarried couples were put off adopting because the rules prevented them both taking legal responsibility. Now it’s thought that more couples will come forward to adopt, providing new hope for children desperately in need of loving, secure homes.

Foster parents can now apply for special guardianship orders which will allow them to take continuous responsibility for children until their 18th birthday.
The law also makes it possible for parents who have given up their children for adoption to trace them through an intermediary service.

The changes introduced in the Act are complex and wide ranging. Please contact us for more details.

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