There are several types of adoption, in theory the court procedure is the same
for all.
1. By a single natural parent
This would have the obvious effect of extinguishing the rights and duties of
the other parent, and is therefore purely negative. Courts will rarely make such
an order.
2. By a natural parent and step-parent
At one time, such adoptions were almost banned by the requirement of the
Children Act 1975 that a court should consider first a 'custodianship' order
instead. That requirement has gone, but courts will still consider whether there
is real benefit to the child (rather than the parents) of making an adoption
order instead of a joint residence order - which would give the step-parent full
parental responsibility.
3. By a relative
Here, too, a court may think a residence order more appropriate as it
maintains the family links and yet gives parental responsibility to the relative
who effectively becomes a legal guardian.
4. Through a Local Authority or Adoption Agency
This is the only lawful route for non-relatives to apply to adopt a child
5. From abroad
Unless the child has been properly adopted by a Court Order in its birth
country (in which case it will need to be recognised and registered here) the
application will need to be made to the High Court, and there may be all sorts
of problems with immigration. A child from abroad, adopted by UK parents, will
not automatically acquire UK citizenship, unless the Hague Convention
requirements have been fulfilled.