Are you considering adopting your stepchild? Learn more about the process and whether it's right for your family in our accessible, jargon-free guide.

As well as weighing up the best interests of the child in question, the court will also consider their legal parents, especially if they still have parental responsibility.

If the parents agree, the adoption order can go ahead. If they refuse to give consent, the proceedings can increase in length, complexity and cost.

If you're getting ready to make an application and expect your partner's ex-partner to refuse consent, it can be advisable to seek legal instruction. This would involve practical legal advice about making a case as well as the alternatives available to your family.

What effect does an adoption order have?

An adoption order means that a step-parent becomes a legal parent with the same rights and responsibilities as their partner. This has a ripple effect, folding the step-parent's family into the child's.

The child will get automatic inheritance rights and the step-parent gets parental responsibility. Parental responsibility is an issue we've explored elsewhere.

Is adoption the best option for your family?

Adopting your stepchild can be a step towards bringing your family closer together and providing financial security. But before making the decision, you need to take into account the wishes and feelings of your partner, stepchild and their non-resident parent.

If, for instance, your stepchild is still close to their biological parent, adoption could cause a lot of tension – tension that wouldn't be there if the parent was absent.

It's also worth considering whether your family's needs can be met in another way. For instance, if your priority is securing inheritance rights for your stepchild, you could do so via a will. This is a less complex – and cheaper – way forward.

If your main goal is getting parental responsibility, it's possible to make a parental responsibility agreement with your partner. However, this requires the consent of the ex-partner if they're in the picture.

What should you look for in a family lawyer?

If you do seek legal instruction from a family lawyer, there are several things to look out for to maximise your chances of getting the best outcome for you and your family.

The first is a child-centred approach. The court will issue an adoption order only if it's in the best interests of your stepchild. If this isn't reflected and emphasised in your meetings with your solicitor, you could end up going through the process for nothing.

Similarly, you want a family lawyer who will present you with options. If you feel that you're being pushed towards a solution without exploring the alternatives, look elsewhere.

Finally, you should look for experience. This will be reflected partly in the amount of time the firm has been going, partly in user reviews, and partly in accreditations, such as those issued by the Law Society.

Conclusion

For some families, adopting a stepchild can be a way of cementing family relations and securing inheritance. However, it involves a lot of factors, especially those concerning the wishes and interests of your stepchild and their non-resident parent.

Before you make a decision, it can be advisable to seek legal instruction. A good family lawyer will equip you with the facts you need to make an informed decision that works for everyone.

Are you looking for legal advice relating to stepchild adoption? At Milners Law, we have a crack team of experienced, sensitive family solicitors who can talk you through your options. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation.