The Process of Step-Adoption

The first thing you should do is to contact your local social services. They are able to provide you with information and will encourage you to consider all the legal options that can be an alternative to an adoption order. If, after considering this advice you wish to proceed you should give them three months notice of your intention to adopt.

You should give this notice in writing stating the child/ren's full names and dates of birth, stating that it is your intention to apply to adopt them. It is best for the letter to be signed by the parent AND their partner.

In England and Wales the next stage is to obtain 3 copies of an application form (A6) from either your local Magistrates Court or County Court. You can also obtain a PDF file of the A6 form

here. You should fill in the form (3 times) very carefully and fully and remit it with the appropriate fee. You may not have to pay the fee. Please obtain a Form EX180 from your local court if you think this may apply to you. In Scotland you need to prepare a petition and lodge this with the local Sheriff's Court.

The court will ask a social worker to provide a Schedule 2 report which will involve them in interviewing all the adults involved as well as the child or children.

A court date will be set and the court will consider the application. They can then decide if they should make an Adoption Order having fully considered the schedule 2 report.

This entire process usually takes between 6 and 12 months.