• Adoption in Scotland

    We can provide expert advice and guidance throughout the very sensitive process of adopting a child, or opposing an adoption

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Adoption Solicitors, Glasgow and Aberdeen

We're here to help

There are numerous reasons why you may seek to adopt a child: the child may have been orphaned, a stepparent may wish to legalise their relationship, or you may want to add to your family. Alternatively, you may be a child’s parent and seek to oppose an adoption taking place. You have rights, and we can assist. Whatever the reason, we are here to help.

We understand that the process involved with adoption can be an emotional, uncertain, and stressful time for people who wish to adopt a child. The legal procedure required to formalise adoption in Scotland can be very complex, but at Kee solicitors, we make the process as straightforward as possible.

​Our Family Law Solicitors in Glasgow and Aberdeen can offer you advice with clear and transparent costs with our fixed fee plans.

Adoption Law

Am I Eligible to Adopt a Child in Scotland?

There are certain criteria to meet from the outset in order to be eligible to apply for an Adoption Order in Scotland. You should take advice from a solicitor to discuss your eligibility. The criteria usually include:

  • That you are over 21.
  • If you are adopting a step-child, you must be married to, in a civil partnership or living in an ‘enduring family relationship’ with the natural parent of the child, this depends on the circumstances of each case, and there are no set time periods that apply to this definition. You will be required to demonstrate that you have a stable and lasting relationship.
  • If you are adopting a stepchild, you or your partner must have lived in Scotland or been domiciled there for at least 1 year.
  • The Court will give consideration to any health issues you do have which could affect the level of care you can give to the child in question.
  • You can adopt even if you have a criminal record, this will be considered by the court and it will depend on the nature of the offense. This will also affect the adoption process if adopting through an adoption agency, it is likely that the agency will not consider you a suitable adoptive parent, depending on the nature of your previous offenses.

What is the Legal Adoption Process in Scotland?

The legal process consists of an Order of the Court to establish a new parent-child relationship, transferring parental rights and responsibilities to the adopter. This new relationship replaces the previous relationship between the child and their natural parent or parents. The adoption process can be a lengthy one as it is hoped to result in a permanent arrangement for a child.

The first step in the process normally involves approaching the local authority or an adoption agency with your intention to adopt the child. It is common that the local authority will have a list of all agencies within your area. It is important to remember that whichever agency you choose to arrange the adoption is required to be registered with the care inspectorate.

Depending on the agency you approach to arrange the adoption certain criteria may be used in placing a child with prospective adoptive parents. On your request, this information should be made available to you. A social worker is also normally assigned to your case, they will produce a report on the suitability of the adoption and anything else that is relevant to your application after various visits to your home.

Once the petition is lodged at Court, along with the social work report and any other documents that are deemed relevant, a preliminary hearing is fixed between 6-8 weeks after such action. The natural parents of the child will also receive a copy of this petition, as will any other relevant person the court considers entitled to receive the copy. The natural parents then have 21 days to tell the court if they oppose the adoption application. A curator may be appointed by the court to speak to the birth parents and obtain their view on the adoption application. The curator will then produce another report on the application. If opposition to the application exists, those opposing the application will be required by the court to lodge the answers as to why. This will eventually culminate into an evidential hearing on the adoption. If no opposition to the application exists, the court may grant the adoption order at the preliminary hearing.

Consent is needed by any party who possesses parental rights and responsibilities. Consent may also be required from the child if they are aged over 12. A natural parent’s consent is not always necessary, this depends on whether that parent is in a fit state to exercise their parental responsibilities or if it is in the best interests of the welfare of the child for their parental responsibilities to be dispensed of. The child’s view, even if the child is under 12, is still taken into account where appropriate. 

​Kee Solicitors can guide you through this process from start to finish, and, in some cases, we can  offer a Fixed Fee service to do so. 

How much does it cost to adopt a child in Scotland?

In Scotland, adoption agencies can not charge a fee for their services. However, this does not make adoption a free process. There are still costs incurred during the process, such as solicitor fees, police checks and occasionally court fees too. We are able to explain all possible costs that you might face once we know your cirucumstances. 

​Fixed Fee Adoption

​At Kee Solicitors, we know the adoption process can be long and confusing, and at times costly. That is why we offer a Fixed Fee service (when undefended) for adoptions within Scotland. 

The Benefits We Bring

Whether you are further on in the process and seeking legal representation or not, we are equipped with considerable expertise in permanence order/adoption applications. For those who are looking to adopt a child or oppose the process, Kee Solicitors can guide you through the next steps. We aim to provide you with guidance and representation to minimise the stress involved with the process. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with our teams in Glasgow or Aberdeen.

Make a Free Enquiry today with our Adoption Lawyers Glasgow, Aberdeen, Scotland

Kee Solicitors are a specialist family law firm and are here to help you with any questions.

Please either call our Glasgow office on 0141 478 9090, our Aberdeen office on 01224 002 556 or click here to make a free online enquiry for immediate assistance.

Kee Solicitors

  • Suite 5, Buchanan Business Centre,
    Cumbernauld Rd, Stepps,
    Glasgow, G33 6HZ

Tel: 0141 478 9090