Step-Parent Adoption
Experts in Adoption Law
If you are the step-parent of a child whom you wish to adopt, contact our specialist adoption lawyers who can advice you of the process. Our lawyers also represent the biological parents of a child whom they wish their partner to adopt and children who wish to be adopted by a step-parent.
“Osbornes has incredible strength in depth across every area of family law, from public law children and child abduction proceedings, through to adoption and surrogacy, and private client work”
“Osbornes Law offers affluent clients representation in high-value, complex family matters.”
There are an increasing number of step-families in the UK and abroad. The understandable wish to make the child officially a member of their new family means that adoption is often thought of as the solution.
Adoption may be the answer for instance where the child’s other parent has died or has had no contact with the child. However, it is now recognised as important for a child to maintain as close a relationship as possible with both of their birth parents, whether they were married or not, Step parent adoption ends the legal relationship with the absent parent so that only their custodial parent and their new partner become the child’s legal parents.
The Adoption and Children Act 2002 introduce other options for step parents which give legal status to a step parent without ending the child’s legal relationship with their other parent.
How our adoption solicitors can help
We are able to advise on the range of options, assist with drawing up step parent agreements and offer representation in whatever court process is decided to be best for the individual child.
With our expertise in International Adoption, we can also provide advice and representation to a step parent who marries a foreign national abroad with a child by a previous relationship and where it is the plan for the child to become a full legal member of the new family, with British nationality.
If you are the step parent of a child whom you wish to adopt, the biological parent of a child whom you wish your partner to adopt or perhaps you are child who wishes to be adopted by a step parent please contact either Naomi or Bridget for a confidential chat. After hearing the specifics of your case they will be able to provide you with further information and options available to you. They will also give you an indication of the process, what will be required of you and the possible time frames involved.
Naomi Angell has considerable strength in adoption, surrogacy and fertility issues
Naomi Angell is a renowned practitioner in the market with a wealth of experience in family cases involving immigration issues. She has a depth of knowledge in surrogacy issues and is respected for her experience handling adoption matters.
"She is responsive and very knowledgeable – she knows everything on the family law side of adoption and is also very generous with her time."
"Naomi is second to none in her knowledge of adoption and her work in surrogacy is also a strength."
"She has an encyclopaedic knowledge and an in-depth understanding of this work. She's extremely empathetic and can put herself in the client's shoes. She's also very strategic and is good at pre-empting litigation."
"Their family department is very strong, from adoption to child abduction and matrimonial finance, this is a very strong team."
"Naomi Angell is a stand out individual who is well regarded as to the go-to lawyer in her field. What Naomi doesn’t know about adoption is not worth knowing."
"She is the queen of inter-country adoption. She is experienced in the field over a long period of time. She has wonderful client skills and is committed to getting proper outcomes."
"She is an adoption superstar. She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of immigration law, and knows what's on the horizon due to her involvement in policy."
Naomi Angell – the doyenne of adoption and surrogacy family law, dedicated to her clients and hardworking.
The team has considerable strength in adoption, surrogacy and fertility matters through Naomi Angell.
"Highly recommended
Bridget and Amy-Jo were very supportive during what were very stressful proceedings. They were collaborative and I felt listened to and part of a team rather than just a client. We ended up being successful at the hearing.""She's extremely knowledgeable and highly professional."
"She is the guru when it comes to international adoption and she's an expert in her field."
Naomi Angell has a vast wealth of knowledge and experience.
"Naomi Angell is a highly esteemed practitioner who is highlighted as "a leader in the field" and "extremely knowledgeable" by interviewees. She is particularly recognised for her experience in complex adoption disputes."
Bridget Thompson is a public law specialist noted for her extensive practice in matters involving alternative families and adoption. An interviewee observes: "She's a fighter, she's clever, and she understands all aspects of a case."
"Naomi Angell is a leading name in international adoption."
"Recognised for its expertise in both domestic and international adoption, as well as assisted conception."
"Naomi Angell is a leading figure in domestic and inter-country adoptions, and also has expert knowledge of related fertility and surrogacy issues."
"Naomi Angell is phenomenal. She's done it for so long and knows so much that she's a fount of knowledge. If Naomi doesn't know something, it isn't worth knowing."
Naomi Angell is the doyenne of inter-country adoption and the font of all knowledge in this area.
Highly respected for her [Naomi Angell] focused on cross-border children work, including surrogacy matters.
Naomi Angell advises on international adoptions and complex surrogacy matters. She is commended for her broad, in-depth experience."
Naomi Angell is an expert in adoption issues.
Naomi Angell leads the market in cross-border children law matters. Sources confirm that she is "at the cutting edge of changing law and policy" when it comes to international adoption
Naomi Angell is described as hugely experienced, calm and a good listener.
News & Insights from our Family Law SolicitorsVIEW ALL
- 1.10.2024
Borrowing Money for Legal Fees in Divorce
What if I can’t afford a lawyer for my divorce? When navigating a divorce, it is widely understood that...
Read more - 27.9.2024
Navigating Divorce, Child Arrangements, and the Jewish Festivals:...
Going through a divorce is challenging enough, but when you’re a Jewish couple with differing levels of religious observance,...
Read more - 25.9.2024
Who Pays the Debts After Divorce?
Am I liable for my husband’s debts if we are separated? Debt is a significant source of stress for...
Read more - 25.9.2024
What Happens to Savings & Investments in Divorce?
Is my spouse entitled to my savings and investments if we divorce? During the divorce process, both parties should exchange...
Read more - 20.9.2024
Navigating Property Rights in Divorce: Yacht vs. House
A Yacht, A House, and Terminating Matrimonial Home Rights The family court has ruled in the latest instalment of a...
Read more - 17.9.2024
High Court Returns Abducted Children from UK to...
Children abducted from Austria and smuggled to UK on small boat by father returned to Austria by the High Court...
Read more - 12.9.2024
Landmark Decision: A Surrogate Mother’s Rights Are...
In the world of surrogacy, legal rights and parental responsibilities can be a complicated issue. Non-profit surrogacy is legal in...
Read more - 8.8.2024
Wife’s Award Increased Due to Failure To...
Understanding the Impact of Changed Circumstances on Prenuptial Agreements Prenuptial agreements have become the norm where a husband or wife...
Read more - 5.8.2024
Why Did Lauryn Goodman Take Kyle Walker to...
Introduction to the case After a judge took the unusual step of making his judgement public, we’re starting to...
Read more - 1.8.2024
Standish v Standish: Court of Appeal Decision on...
Court of Appeal reduces wife’s divorce award by £20million Dealing with financial matters on divorce can be complex. And...
Read more - 1.8.2024
Matrimonial vs Non-Matrimonial Assets
Matrimonial vs Non-Matrimonial Assets in Divorce During a divorce, people often make the mistake of assuming that everything they own...
Read more - 1.8.2024
What is a Periodical Payments Order?
Periodical Payments Orders in Divorce Throughout the process of a divorce or when unmarried couples with children split up, there...
Read more - 1.8.2024
What is a Lump Sum Order?
Lump Sum Orders in Divorce When a relationship breaks down, as well as legally ending the marriage through a no-fault...
Read more - 1.8.2024
Common Law Partners
Common law partner meaning Common law marriage is the idea that two people who live together and act as if...
Read more - 25.7.2024
What is a Property Adjustment Order?
Property Adjustment Orders in Divorce As part of the divorce process, separated couples must decide how they are going to...
Read more - 11.7.2024
Unmarried With Children and Splitting Up
Unmarried with Children? What are your Financial Rights? Know Your Financial Rights Under Schedule One Children Act 1989 A claim under...
Read more - 17.6.2024
What is Early Neutral Evaluation?
Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) is a form of Non-Court Dispute Resolution where the separated couple invites a neutral third party...
Read more - 14.6.2024
What Happens If You Have a Joint Mortgage...
Understanding whether you can keep a joint mortgage after divorce is crucial, especially if both parties are still liable for...
Read more - 4.6.2024
What is Parallel Parenting? Examples, rules, and why...
Parallel parenting is a practical solution for families experiencing ongoing conflict who find traditional co-parenting unworkable. In this article, we...
Read more - 3.6.2024
Co-Parenting with a Narcissist
Can you co-parent with a narcissist? Co-parenting with a narcissist ex can be daunting, but it’s possible with the...
Read more - 29.5.2024
Co-Parenting Agreements
Is co-parenting right for us? There is no single approach to parenting your children after a divorce or separation. How...
Read more - 28.5.2024
Short-term marriage divorce settlements
A Marriage is a Marriage — Even if it’s short and childless When deciding who gets what in a divorce,...
Read more - 15.5.2024
Can a Mother Stop a Father from Seeing...
Can my ex stop me from seeing my child? There is a common misconception that mothers have more rights than...
Read more - 13.5.2024
Impact of extended family wealth on divorce
Can the wealth of extended family affect your divorce outcomes? While there is no fundamental legal difference between a high-net-worth...
Read more
Most Visited Family Law Pages
Our Family Lawyers View the whole team
Claire Andrews Partner
Family LawMark Freedman Partner
Family LawLauren Hall Partner
Family LawMaria Kitsiou Partner
Family LawLisa Pepper Partner
Family LawMartin Ross Partner
Family LawYael Selig Partner
Family LawAndrew Watson Partner
Family LawJoanne Wescott Managing Partner
Family LawNaomi Angell Consultant
Family LawDiana Bastow Senior Associate
Family LawLaura Brogden Trainee Solicitor
Family LawJohn Burrell Consultant
Family LawEmily Charlesworth Solicitor
Family LawAmy-Jo Fletcher Solicitor
Family LawLauren Gaines Associate
Family LawSara Gatt-Floridia Paralegal
Family LawAlicja Glabicka Paralegal
Family LawHannah Goldstein Solicitor
Family LawIsabelle James Solicitor
Family LawJonathan Jonas Senior Associate
Family LawChloe Khor Paralegal
Family LawDavid Leadercramer Consultant
Family LawEmma Lees Trainee Solicitor
Family LawView the
whole team