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Specialist adoption solicitors — clear advice, strong advocacy, lasting outcomes

The adoption journey can be both emotionally rewarding and legally complex. At Fisher Jones Greenwood, our adoption solicitors provide expert guidance through every step of the legal process, helping you build your family with confidence.

We understand the unique challenges and sensitivities involved in adoption matters. We offer clear, compassionate advice tailored to your specific circumstances, whether you are considering adoption for the first time or navigating more complex situations.

For advice, contact us via our online enquiry form or call 0845 543 5700.

How Our Adoption Solicitors Can Help

Our family law team provides comprehensive support for all adoption-related matters, including:

Domestic Adoption

  • Guidance through the adoption assessment process
  • Representation during adoption hearings
  • Advice on matching processes and placement
  • Support with post-adoption contact arrangements

Step-Parent Adoption

  • Legal advice for step-parents wishing to adopt their partner’s child
  • Assistance with obtaining consent from birth parents
  • Representation throughout the Court process

International Adoption

  • Guidance on overseas adoption procedures
  • Advice on immigration requirements
  • Support with recognition of foreign adoption orders in the UK

Special Guardianship

  • Advice on alternatives to adoption
  • Support with Special Guardianship Order applications
  • Guidance on the legal implications and responsibilities

The Adoption Process

Adoption procedures can vary depending on individual circumstances, but typically involve:

  1. Initial assessment and approval by an adoption agency
  2. Matching with a child and placement
  3. Application to Court for an adoption order
  4. Court hearing and granting of the adoption order

Our solicitors guide you through each stage, explaining the process in clear, straightforward terms and providing the support you need to navigate any challenges.

Why Choose Fisher Jones Greenwood?

Our adoption solicitors are recognised for their expertise and client-focused approach:

  • Recognised by The Legal 500: Our Family Law team is consistently recommended in The Legal 500 guide
  • Chambers and Partners Ranked: Acknowledged for our exceptional service and legal knowledge
  • Resolution Members: Committed to constructive, non-confrontational approaches to family law
  • Law Society Family Law Accreditation: Demonstrating our specialist expertise in family matters,
  • Law Society Children Law Panel Accreditation: demonstrating our specialist expertise in children matters

We combine this expertise with a friendly, empathetic approach, recognising that adoption is not just a legal process but a deeply personal journey toward building your family.

Local Support Across Essex and London

With offices strategically located across Essex, including Billericay, Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester, Sudbury, and London, we are always within reach to offer tailored assistance that meets your specific needs.

Our local knowledge of family Courts across Essex and London means we can provide guidance specific to your area, with insights into local procedures and approaches.

For confidential advice from our specialist adoption solicitors, please contact us via our online enquiry form or call 0845 543 5700 for a guaranteed response.

We understand that taking the first step to reach out to a solicitor can be daunting, and we are here to make that process as smooth as possible for you. In the first instance, a member of our family team will be available to go through some initial questions with you to better understand your situation and determine your specific needs. Following this, we will arrange an appointment with one of our specialist solicitors who is best suited to assist you.

To get started, you can call us free on 0845 543 5700. For new clients, we offer an initial fixed fee meeting at £250, which includes VAT and all costs associated with initial onboarding. This meeting is designed to provide you with valuable insights and guidance tailored to your circumstances. After the meeting, we will follow up with appropriate resources and next steps to support you moving forward.

We also understand that flexibility is important, and our team offers appointments outside of usual office hours by pre-arranged remote appointment. This ensures that we can accommodate your schedule and provide the support you need at a time that is convenient for you.

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For more than four decades, Fisher Jones Greenwood has provided expert legal advice to individuals and businesses throughout Essex, Suffolk, and London. Our dedicated team of solicitors is committed to delivering practical solutions for your legal matters. Contact us on 08455 435 700 or via our online enquiry form to schedule a consultation.

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Adoption FAQs

Who can apply to adopt a child?

You can apply to adopt if you’re aged 21 or over, have a permanent home in the UK, Isle of Man or Channel Islands, and have been living in the UK for at least 12 months. You can apply as a single person, as a couple (married, civil partners, or cohabiting), or as a step-parent.

How long does the adoption process take?

The timeframe varies depending on individual circumstances, but typically the process takes between six months to two years from initial enquiry to final adoption order.

Will I need to attend Court during the adoption process?

Yes, there will be at least one Court hearing, though sometimes these can be conducted without the need for you to speak in Court. Our solicitors will prepare you thoroughly and accompany you to all hearings.

What's the difference between adoption and special guardianship?

Adoption creates a permanent legal relationship between you and the child, severing the legal ties with birth parents. Special guardianship gives you parental responsibility without legally severing the relationship with birth parents. Our solicitors can advise which option is most appropriate for your situation.

How much does it cost to adopt?

Costs vary depending on the type of adoption and individual circumstances. We offer transparent fee structures and will provide clear information about costs at the outset.

Contact Us

With over 40 years’ experience, Fisher Jones Greenwood is a long-established law firm. With several offices around Essex and London. Phone us on 0845 543 5700 or complete our online enquiry form, and we’ll call you back to arrange a meeting with a solicitor or lawyer.

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