Who can apply for an adoption order ?

The Adoption and Children Act 2002 now makes it possible for the following groups to apply:

a) Single people.

b) Married couples applying jointly.

c) Unmarried couples applying jointly.

d) A step-parent, (provided the child has had his/her home with them for at least 6 months preceding the application).

e) Foster carers, (where the child has lived with them for at least 12 months before an application is made).

f) Lesbian and gay couples.

g) Others who do not fit into the categories above, such as a partner of the child's parent or a relative of the child.


For joint applications at least one of the couple must have their permanent home in a part of the British Isles, and both must have lived in a part of the British Isles for a period of not less than one year, before the date an application for adoption is made.

Which courts can deal with adoption proceedings ?

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