Types of Adoption
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.