family adoption

[fish brain]

how do i go about my husband legally adopting my 2 young children

[spudqueen]

I don't know how you go about it but I do know that you will have to adopt them as a couple. If only your husband adopts them then he will be their only legal parent, you wouldn't be! My brother and I were adopted by our own Mother and Step-Father.

[cruella]

You will have to contact your local social services and they will assist you with advice and procedure.
Like the previous answer, you will have to adopt the children too. Both you and your Husband will have to do it as a couple.

[RATTER15]

Generally speaking, you will also need to get permission from the children's father, if he says no, you haven't got much of a leg to stand on, sorry, I'm assuming their Father is alive.

[Alibobs]

Without wishing to put a damper on things think very carefully about this - should your relationship go belly up in the future (which I hope it doesn't) then the children cannot be "unadopted". I used to work for Social services and this came up time and time again.

Sorry to sound so gloomy, I hope you and your husband are happy together forever!

[Kelmscott]

Your local Social Services should have the forms, and, hopefully a competent social worker to help you fill them in.
You do not need a Solicitor, but if you do, ask what their experience is in this field !
The Court will send an officer called a Guardian ad Litem to asses your application and the reasons for it. (I was one).
One reason people consider adoption in this situation is to change the name of the children,
This does not need adoption, just a simple notice to all who have contact with them, school doctor, Benefit providers regarding allowances etc. Deed Pollis not needed at this time.

Another reason is "to prevent any further acces from the natural father". Courts are not happy with this, and feel a child needs to know, and have, if possible, contact with their father. ( who will have to consent remember, and will be interviewed).

In any case the Birth Certificate WILL say "By Adoption" and you will need to prepare them for this, as they will certainly see this when older.

I Too, am sorry to be a wet blanket, I hope all goes well, but better to think deeply now than have tears later.

[fish brain]

thanks for ur advice u have helped me a lot. my childrens father havent seen my children for 7 years now although he has always had access my husband has brought them up as his own and thats why we want the adoption and my children are so excited about it