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UK solicitors to guide you on your adoption journey

Adoption transforms lives – both for the children waiting for their forever families and the prospective parents. 

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But it is a lengthy and challenging process (quite rightly) and one that requires commitment, dedication and emotional and legal support. 

Our team of adoption law specialists understand this process and are on hand throughout to guide you with care, compassion and integrity. They will ensure you understand the legal complexities, provide the information needed, ensure that the necessary documentation is in place, and legal formalities are complied with.

Becoming a parent through adoption is a wonderful opportunity for those who may previously have not had the opportunity to have a family and to give children a loving and supportive home. 

Having the right legal support will ensure that you and your child are protected throughout the journey.

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Key fertility law information

Why use a Fertility Lawyer?

Whether you are a parent, donor or surrogate, getting expert legal guidance from a Fertility Lawyer can help you make informed decisions to achieve the best outcome.

What are the different types of adoption?

Domestic infant adoption (voluntary), foster care, closed & open, relative, single person, same-sex and stepparent are just a few types of adoption.

What is assisted reproduction?

Assisted reproduction allows someone to get pregnant through treatment, without the need for sexual intercourse.

How does surrogacy work?

Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman carries and gives birth to a child for another person or couple. The intended parents raise the child after birth.

What is donor conception?

Donor conception is the process of having a baby using donated sperm, eggs or embryos through self-insemination or fertility treatment such as IVF.

Our other fertility law services

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LGBTQ+ parenting 

Fertility lawyers 

Fertility law typically raises questions that most people aren’t prepared for. Our specialist lawyers advise across the full range of fertility-related matters, from legal parenthood and consent to parental orders and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act framework. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or already mid-process, we can help you understand what the law requires, what it protects, and what comes next.

Fertility solicitors
Solicitors for fertility in the UK

Assisted reproduction 

Assisted reproduction is governed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, which sets strict rules around consent, legal parenthood, and the use of licensed clinics. Who is recognised as your child’s legal parent depends on the treatment used and when consent was given – details that are easy to overlook but legally significant. Clinics must ensure these requirements are met before treatment begins, but independent legal advice is worth taking too. Understanding your position from the outset can lead to fewer complications later.

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what is platonic coparenting

Surrogacy 

In the UK, surrogacy agreements are not legally binding. The surrogate is always your child’s legal parent at birth, and parenthood can only transfer to you through a parental order granted by a court. To qualify, at least one intended parent must be genetically connected to the child, and the application must meet specific age, residence, and timing requirements. Our lawyers can help you understand each stage clearly, making it far less daunting than it might first appear.

Surrogacy lawyers

Donor conception 

When donor eggs, sperm, or embryos are used, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act determines who is legally recognised as a child’s parent – and the answer isn’t always straightforward. A donor who contributes through a licensed clinic holds no legal parental status and carries no ongoing rights or responsibilities in relation to the child. That distinction is fixed in law, but questions around identity and disclosure can still feel uncertain. Taking advice early means those questions have clear, settled answers before they become harder to face.

Donor conception lawyers
experienced surrogacy solicitors

LGBTQ+ parenting 

The legal route to parenthood for LGBTQ+ individuals and same-sex couples depends on how your family is formed. For same-sex partners using assisted reproduction, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act sets out how a second legal parent is recognised and the conditions that must be met. Surrogacy requires a parental order, and adoption follows a separate process. Co-parenting arrangements can be documented to bring practical clarity, even where they carry no legal force. Each route is distinct, and our solicitors can help you know where to start.

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Adoption - Stowe Family Law

How can we help with adoption? 

We assist people throughout the adoption process, from initial guidance to legal representation in the family court. Including: 

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  • Domestic adoption – where a child is placed by a local authority or UK adoption agency
  • Private family adoption – adopting stepchildren or close relatives
  • Same-sex couple adoption rights
  • Surrogacy – in cases where a person has had a child through a surrogacy arrangement but does not meet the requirements for a Parental Order, we can help them apply for an adoption order.
  • Assisting with international adoption and the legal implications
  • Adoption orders made abroad – legally recognising an adoption order made outside of the UK
  • Domicile – advice on whether adopting parents, are entitled to adopt in the UK
  • Re-establishing contact – legal advice for contacting a birth parent, birth family members or the adopted child
  • Post-adoption contact cases
  • Problems involving post-adoption support from a local authority

We’re proud to be a member of The Surrogacy Network, the leading directory and platform for surrogacy professionals.

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Meet our expert adoption lawyers

Get expert advice and support tailored to your situation from our experienced legal team.

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Rachel Watson

Managing Partner, South Wales, Gloucestershire & Oxfordshire
Divorce Adoption Civil Partnerships Domestic Abuse
Rachel specialises in complex financial remedy proceedings and TOLATA matters.
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Filomena Sterkaj

Team Leader Partner, East Anglia & Essex
Divorce Adoption Civil Partnerships Domestic Abuse
Filomena is renowned for providing honest and clear client-focused advice, using a non-adversarial approach where possible and problem solving to resolve matters in the most effective way.
View full bio

Lauren Naismith

Team Leader Partner, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire
Adoption Domestic Abuse International
Lauren is a Team Leader Partner based in our Reading office specialising in private law children matters, international child abduction, wardship and public law care proceedings.
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Rosanna Hounslow

Team Leader Partner, London
Divorce Adoption Civil Partnerships Domestic Abuse
Rosanna deals with all areas of family law but has a particular interest in complex children and matrimonial finance matters.
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Shanika Haynes

Team Leader Partner, North Yorkshire
Divorce Adoption Domestic Abuse Finance
I have been described by clients as kind, patient and understanding whilst giving sound, practical advice. My experience includes high-net-worth divorce cases, domestic abuse, rights of grandparents and children cases. I am part of the adoption team at Stowe and have dealt with a number of military family breakdowns. Shanika was awarded Family Law Associate Solicitor of the Year at the Family Law Awards 2022.
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Maryana Tuka

Partner, Buckinghamshire & Hertfordshire
Divorce Adoption Surrogacy Civil Partnerships
Maryana specialises in handling cases related to Separation, Divorce, Financial Relief, Private Children Act Matters, Domestic Violence, and TOLATA.
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Samantha Farndale

Partner, London
Divorce Adoption Civil Partnerships Domestic Abuse
Dedicated to resolving matters in a constructive and cost-effective fashion, I have experience in a broad range of family law matters including divorce, finances, child arrangements, and nuptial agreements.
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Gemma Windle

Senior Associate, Buckinghamshire & Hertfordshire
Divorce Adoption Civil Partnerships Domestic Abuse
Gemma joined Stowe Family Law’s St Albans family solicitors office in January 2021.
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Zoe Robinson

Senior Associate, Bristol, Gloucestershire & Somerset
Divorce Adoption Domestic Abuse Finance
Zoe is a Senior Associate at our Bristol and Bath law offices.  
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Anna Stinton

Associate, London
Divorce Mediation Adoption Surrogacy
Anna is an Associate in our London law office.
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Phoebe Trott

Associate, East Anglia & Essex
Divorce Adoption Civil Partnerships Domestic Abuse
Phoebe provides specialist legal advice across all aspects of private family law including divorce, matrimonial finances, private children law, cohabitation disputes and injunction matters.
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Eleanor Hall

Solicitor, West Midlands
Divorce Adoption Forensic Accountancy Civil Partnerships
Eleanor is a Solicitor based at our Birmingham law office.
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Kelsey Faulkner

Solicitor, Cheshire, Lancashire & Merseyside
Divorce Adoption Domestic Abuse Finance
Kelsey is a Solicitor based in Stowe's Liverpool office.
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We offer an award-winning service

Navigating the adoption legal process requires a deep understanding of both the legal framework and the emotional complexities involved. Our expertise ensures that every step is handled with care, providing clarity and support to families during this transformative journey.

Filomena Sterkaj, Senior Associate

Why choose Stowe Family Law?

  • As the only national law firm fully dedicated to family matters, our expert team offers professional advice so you can make a fully informed decision about your divorce.

  • We are proud to be rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot. Check out our reviews to see what our previous clients have said about our service.

  • We feature in The Legal 500 rankings and are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

  • We keep you informed. Take a look at our support section, which features a range of helpful guides, focusing on important topics including finances and mediation.

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Let's ask Ms N D

During my initial contact with Stowe Family Law I experienced an empathetic, understanding, compassionate and positive feedback which put me at ease with my circumstances. This boosted my confidence and composure. At the initial face to face interview I found chatting to the lawyer to be very relaxed and friendly and not stressful at all. During ou… Read morer meeting my lawyer communicated all aspects and terms of my situation in a way I could understand. The meeting was very informative and covered all areas. I was able to ask many questions which were very patiently answered to give me a better understanding and a good overview of my way forward. I am more than happy to recommend Stowe Family Law!

Let's ask Mr T

Nicola, I would like to thank you so much for the way in which you have handled this process for me and de-mystified the legal wording in some of the divorce documents. You have always been available and responded very quickly to questions and queries and I have really valued your input and advice.

Let's ask Legal 500

Ciara Pugh is fantastic. She’s a complete pleasure to work with and I am always willing to take on work from her because it will be well prepared. She is a team player, whip smart, and has a level of insight well beyond her experience.

Let's ask Mrs L

Thank you for the support during my divorce. I am now in a much better place, in all senses. Your support was very valuable psychologically, and was a key element of my survival in the last 12 months.

Let's ask Mrs C

I should like to say how much I have appreciated your sterling work and how grateful I am for the trouble and effort you have taken with the case, which has been tricky enough at the best of times. Thank you for your perseverance and tenacity towards a solution.

Let's ask Satvir

I have used this firm to help me with my divorce and also to get a non-molestation order. Both Sarah and Neve have been very helpful and understanding. They have helped me with all the documents which I would have struggled doing on my own.

Let's ask Mr R

I would highly recommend Emma Newman and Stowe Family Law for all the great help and for the service they provided. For many years Emma’s experience and sound advice has help steer us through all the emotional family turmoil, while always focusing on what’s best for the children. I am most grateful to Emma for all her support during these stres… Read moresful and difficult times.

Let's ask Legal 500

Liza Gatrell has provided an excellent service. She has always sought to maintain a supportive, reasonable approach with the clear aim of resolving our matter.
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Filomena is Team Leader Partner, renowned for providing honest and clear client-focused advice, using a non-adversarial approach where possible and problem solving to resolve matters in the most effective way. She is based at our Chelmsford office.

Date last reviewed: 23/04/2025

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