What happens in court?

When you have lived with your adoptive family for a while, they can ask a judge to make an adoption order. This will not happen for at least 10 weeks and may take longer so that we can make sure everything is right for you.

You, your new family and your social worker will go to court to meet the judge. They will ask you some questions and then sign a legal document called an adoption order. This is a very important document as it will mean your adoptive family is legally responsible for you. Your birth parents and the council then stop being your legal parents.

You will have the same surname as your new family and get a new birth certificate with your new name on it.

How long does an adoption order last?

Forever. Unlike other orders relating to children an adoption order is for life.