Adoption is a legal process that creates a permanent parent-child relationship. It involves a series of steps, including assessment, matching, and court proceedings. Our McKenzie Friends will guide you through each stage, ensuring a smooth and successful adoption.

Adoption in the UK gives adoptive parents full legal rights, making them the child’s permanent family and ending any legal connection with birth parents.
To adopt, you need to meet some basic requirements and inform your local authority, which assigns a social worker to check if you’re a good fit. This report, along with an adoption request, goes to the court, where you’ll have at least one hearing. If birth parents disagree, more hearings may be needed. Our team supports you through each step, from paperwork to working with social workers and helping in court, to keep the process as simple as possible.

The UK adoption process involves several key steps. First, inform your local authority about your plan to adopt. They’ll assign a social worker to assess your suitability through home visits and then prepare a report. This report, along with your adoption petition, goes to the court. About 6–8 weeks later, there’s a Preliminary Hearing, where a Curator or Reporting Officer may be appointed to collect consent from the child’s biological parents. They have 21 days to respond if they want to oppose.
If there’s no opposition, the adoption order may be granted at the hearing. If opposed, further hearings with evidence are required. Our McKenzie Friends help you through each step, from gathering documents to preparing for court, so you’re fully prepared and confident in your application.

In the UK, surrogacy has two main types: full surrogacy (gestational) and partial surrogacy (traditional). In full surrogacy, the child has no genetic link to the surrogate since the egg is from the intended mother or a donor. In partial surrogacy, the surrogate’s egg is used, creating a genetic link between her and the baby.
Our McKenzie Friends guide you through each step, explaining both types, assisting with legal agreements, medical arrangements, and providing support to make the journey smoother.

The surrogacy process in the UK typically takes 4–12 months after the child’s birth. Initially, the surrogate is the legal mother, and her spouse is considered the second legal parent. Intended parents must apply to their local Family Court for a Parental Order to transfer legal parentage, which involves one or more court hearings.
With our support, you can navigate this process smoothly, ensuring all necessary documents are ready and you’re fully prepared for court requirements.

A Parental Order is a legal document that transfers parental rights and responsibilities from the surrogate to the intended parents. It’s essential for establishing legal parentage and ensuring the child’s rights are protected.

Yes, you can adopt a child from overseas, but the process involves several steps and requirements.
First, you must be assessed and approved as an adopter by a UK adoption agency. They will evaluate your suitability to adopt through home visits and interviews. You will also need to meet specific eligibility criteria, such as age and residency requirements.
After approval, you can apply to adopt a child from a country that allows intercountry adoption. The process typically involves:
- Choosing a country: Research the countries that permit intercountry adoptions and their specific regulations.
- Applying to an adoption agency: Work with a UK adoption agency that specialises in intercountry adoptions. They will guide you through the necessary steps and paperwork.
- Home study: The agency will conduct a home study to assess your readiness to adopt.
- Matching: Once approved, you will wait for a match with a child. This can take time, as it depends on the availability of children and your preferences.
- Legal process: After a match is made, you will need to complete the legal process in both the UK and the child’s birth country. This includes getting consent from the child’s biological parents or guardians and meeting any legal requirements in the child’s country.
- Post-adoption support: After bringing the child to the UK, you will have to complete post-adoption assessments and ensure you meet the child’s ongoing needs.

The costs associated with adoption and surrogacy can vary depending on individual circumstances. Our team can provide you with a breakdown of potential costs and help you navigate the financial aspects of the process.
Need more information? Contact our McKenzie Friends today for personalised advice and support. We’re here to help you build your family.