You can apply for an adoption order as soon as the child starts to live with you but your application will not be heard for at least three months.

If you adopt an older child or a child with special needs, you may want to wait for a while before applying for the adoption order to see if the arrangement is going to work.

You cannot apply to adopt a new-born baby until they are six weeks old.

The adoption hearing is usually a brief affair and held in private in a judge's chambers. You and the child, if they are old enough, may be asked some questions and the decision to grant or refuse the order is usually made there and then.

Once the adoption order is made and you have become the child's legal parent, there is no legal requirement for a social worker to remain involved, but you can contact your adoption agency at any stage in the future if the need arises.

For more information about this, see Adoption-net's legal information.

After the order is granted, the adoption process is complete. The child is legally yours and you officially have parental responsibility.

Now you start on a new journey - making a life together with your newly-formed family.

At times the going may well be rough but don't worry, there is no need to soldier on alone. Adoption-net's Support section contains a wealth of help and advice while our Links section lists organisations who will be able offer a helping hand.

Good luck!

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