Adoption: A Guide for Court Users

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This guidance is also available in pdf format.

Who is this leaflet for?

This leaflet is intended for anyone thinking of applying to a court for an adoption order under the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (in force from 30th December 2005). It is also for use by legal and child care professionals who are involved in the adoption process.

The leaflet gives general information about who may adopt a child, what information the court will need, and how the court will deal with your application. It is intended as a guide only. It does not give you advice about deciding whether to adopt a child and it is not a full statement of the law, nor does it deal with all the decisions about adoption the courts may make under the Adoption and Children Act 2002.

This leaflet does not deal with the adoption of children from overseas. If you are thinking of adopting a child whose permanent home is outside the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, you should get advice from:

• your local authority;
• an approved adoption agency;
• a solicitor;
• a law centre or legal advice centre;
• a Citizens Advice Bureau;
• the Department for Education and Skills website.

Leaflet A21 Intercountry Adoption - a guide, also gives more information about adopting a child from abroad. You can get a copy from our website www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk or from the court.