Our team are able to advise married or cohabiting couples, couples in civil partnerships, and single people on the numerous options available, including:
The decision ultimately lies with you and your personal preference/circumstances. While there are several options available to you, you may need to consider the following factors which apply however you decide to create your family.
Children are eligible for adoption if they are under the age of 18 and have never been married. On adoption a child becomes a full family member (as if they had been born to their adoptive parent or parents).
To adopt a child, you must be both:
You can apply to adopt a child whatever your sexuality, religion or race and whether you are single or married. Since January 2006, unmarried couples are also able to adopt a child jointly.
Surrogacy takes two forms:
Surrogacy is governed by clear rules in order to protect all those involved and consequently the law in this area is complex. We recommend that you seek legal advice before embarking on a surrogacy arrangement.
Whichever form of surrogacy you opt for, currently the birth mother is automatically recognised legally as the child’s mother and this is only changed by the application for and granting of a Parental Order by the Court. Our specialists can guide you through the process of applying for a Parental Order and represent you at Court.
Whether you are considering donating or you are considering using a donated gamete it is important to know the legal implications and consequences of this.
This is an area of law that has seen many changes, particularly in the last five years and in advising you we can discuss:
Co-parenting is the term used when people choose to raise a child together but are not in a relationship and never intend to be, for example gay male and female friends, or a gay couple and lesbian couple. In those circumstances it is crucial to get advice on:
For step-parents, adopting their stepchild is often considered the best first step in securing parental rights. However, a Parental Responsilibity Agreement has been specifically set up to bypass the Court system and instead makes use of a legally binding formal agreement between you and the parent’s of your stepchild. This agreement grants you full parental responsibility over your stepchild and can only be given if you are married or in a civil partnership.
For more information on any aspect of adoption please email Patrick Mulcare pmulcare@se-law.co.uk. Alternatively you can contact us by telephone on 01295 204000.
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