What is a step parent?
You are a step family if your partner has a child by a previous relationship who now lives with you.
Adoption gives legal recognition to the step family, with all children sharing the same surname and having the same right to inherit. But it is not the right solution for everyone and there are alternatives which may be more appropriate for your particular situation.
You need to contact us before you make any application to a court to adopt. The court needs a report from us and this may take some months to complete. We can also give you lots of information about alternatives to adoption which you may not have considered. It is not always necessary to contact a solicitor.
What does adopting my step child mean?
Your family will be recognised by law, with all members having the same surname and sharing the same inheritance rights. All the children in your family will be treated the same under the law.