Articles about Adoption by BH&O

Partner, Emily Boardman, has written numerous articles for prospective adopters to help them understand when they may need to take legal advice, as well as to understand their rights if any disputes were to occur with placements or birth parents.

Revocation of adoption orders

A case has just been published in which I represented the applicant, an adoptive mother, who sought to revoke adoption orders made many years ago in relation to two children known as X and Y. The case was heard by Mrs Justice Lieven in the High Court and the judgment

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When can a local authority remove a child placed for adoption?

In another article that aims to provide information for prospective adopters Emily Boardman sets out the challenges for a family when safeguarding concerns arise prior to the making of the adoption order. This article is about the removal of a child who has been placed with prospective adopters (PAs) before

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When an application is made to oppose an Adoption Order

There are a number of circumstances that can call into question the plan for adoption for a child. In the second of a two-part series solicitor Emily Boardman sets out the legal challenges available to birth parents in England and Wales that can delay, or in rare circumstances, disrupt the

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When an application is made to overturn a placement order

There are a number of circumstances that can call into question the plan for adoption for a child. In the first of a two-part series solicitor Emily Boardman sets out the legal challenges available to birth parents in England and Wales that can delay, or in rare circumstances, disrupt the

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Reflections on National Adoption Week

I am a trustee at Adoption UK and I am a family solicitor. I represent birth families and children in care proceedings, and adopters in adoption proceedings. I think these various roles put me in an ideal position to reflect on National Adoption Week, which begins today, 17 October 2022.

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The Somerset case – Part two

In February I wrote an article that summarised the first Judgment in relation to the Somerset cases of non-compliant placement orders. The President of the Family Division has now published the Judgment in relation to the second case and this Judgment tells us, as expected, the way forward. The full

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The Somerset case on non-compliant Placement Orders

See also: The Somerset case – Part two In November 2021 a case went to court that has sent shock waves through the professional adoption community. Somerset County Council were seeking a declaration in relation to ten cases where Adoption Agency Regulations had not been fully complied with, and they

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