Alternatives to Step Parent Adoption
It is quite natural for a step parent to drive the decision to adopt children in his or her desire to become part of a formal family unit.
However, adoption may not always be the best way to provide stability and structure to a child.
The Courts often recognise a number of alternatives which include:
An order, if granted by the Court, gives the step parent parental responsibility. This will not sever the formal links with the child’s birth family that adoption would.
A request for parental responsibility is unlikely to succeed if the applicant is a parent who:
- Is absent
- Has shown little commitment to the child
- Has a minimal degree of attachment with the child
- Has a history of violence
- Has failed to make maintenance payments
- Has failed to comply with other court orders
Parental Responsibility Agreement
This is a formal agreement drawn up by a solicitor which clarifies the rights, roles and responsibilities of everyone with parental responsibility.
Residence orders give parental responsibilities and rights to an applicant without removing parental responsibility from an absent birth parent.
It is a method which allows a step parent to gain responsibilities and rights without severing legal ties to a birth parent which would occur as a result of adoption.
A contact order outlines the type and level of contact a child may or may not have with another person, by phone or in person.
This can be particularly useful to manage the relationship with distant parents.
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