Adoption
Adoption solicitors
Deciding to adopt a child can be a rewarding experience. It provides an opportunity to those unable to have children of their own to raise a family, as well as offering a child the chance to grow up in a loving and nurturing environment.
However, the process is often lengthy and challenging. It involves a number of legal implications which can be hard to navigate without the advice of a legal expert who specialises in adoption law.
We have considerable experience in working with families who wish to adopt, and can advise you on the process from start to finish.
We can help with:
- adopting a stepchild
- adopting a child in care
- Adoption Orders
- handling your own child being placed for adoption by the local authority
Why use Rothera Bray for help with adopting a child?
We are members of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme (formerly Children Panel).
We can advise on a wide range of matters, from straightforward adoptions to the rights of birth parents.
We can advise on alternatives if they are more appropriate in your situation, such as Child Arrangements Orders, parental responsibility or a Special Guardianship Order.
We can help you if you are the birth parent and have parental responsibility of a child who is being adopted and you disagree with the adoption or an application for a Placement Order to enable the local authority to place your child for adoption.
We can advise you if you are a birth parent looking to challenge an Adoption Order.
We can communicate with you through whichever method you would prefer, whether that’s face to face, phone, email or video call.
We have a network of eight branch offices across Nottingham, Leicester and Derby, all of which offer family and child care services.
We can help you with:
- Adopting a child when you are a:
- Relative
- Stepparent or foster parent
- Carer
- Same Sex Couple
- Local authority adoption
- International adoption
- Post-adoption issues
- Placement Orders
- Special Guardianship Orders
- Child Arrangements
- Parental Responsibility
Send us a message

“Adopting a child can be complex. We can make it simple for you.”
Ann-Marie Bowman
Partner
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Posted 22 May 2026
I used Rebecca's services via Rothera Bray Solicitors to deal with the financial side to a divorce. I had an initial face to face appointment to talk through everything with Rebecca and this made me feel at ease and felt that Rebecca was the right person to help me. Rebecca has kept me highly informed at all stages throughout and has also given lots of great advice and has helped me a lot with getting things sorted. I am really happy with the service that I received and Rebecca was so friendly, kind, understanding and very helpful. I would 100% recommend to anyone who is requiring the help during a divorce.
Leila
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Posted 22 May 2026
Rothera Bray have been excellent in helping me resolve a difficult and expensive divorce, I found them extremely efficient - communication was excellent at all points and generally they were there when I needed them, they all took a personal interest in my case and we arrived at a reasonable resolution thanks to their efforts Specially thanks to Rebecca Emeleus and Rebecca Hudson for their great work, Highly recommended in what are always going to be difficult situation! They are people that you can rely on - which is very important in divorce actions particularly.
Stuart Randall
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Posted 21 May 2026
Sophie is kind and understanding. She explained everything and I felt I was in very capable hands. I would highly recommend Sophie.
Philippa Stephenson
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Posted 14 May 2026
Sophie helped me through the whole experience of getting my case through to fruition with a court order result.
Lesley
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Posted 28 April 2026
I cannot recommend Rothera Bray highly enough, and in particular Emily, who is truly outstanding. Emily took on my case again and from the very beginning she showed that she is unlike other solicitors. She took the time to genuinely listen to me, understand my situation, and focus on what was right for both myself and my children. That immediately set her apart. Where other solicitors had previously pushed their own views, suggesting I accept an undertaking or advising against pursuing a non-molestation order and a section 91(14) order, Emily approached things completely differently. She looked at the full picture, put the needs of the family first, and had the confidence and knowledge to push for what was truly necessary. The outcome has made a significant difference to our lives, and I genuinely believe it would not have been achieved without her. Emily is not only highly knowledgeable and professional, but also incredibly understanding. She puts her clients first, not what is easiest or quickest to achieve, and that level of care and commitment is rare. If you are looking for a solicitor who will truly listen, stand by you, and fight for the right outcome, I would recommend Emily and the team at Rothera Bray without hesitation.
Nathan
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Posted 21 April 2026
Excellent Support and Guidance Through a Difficult Divorce. I recently went through a divorce and required legal support during what was a difficult time. After initially speaking with Jack English at Rothera Bray, I felt confident in instructing him to advise and represent me. Throughout the process, he was consistently accessible, kept me well informed of progress, and communicated clearly at every stage. He struck the right balance between being understanding of the situation while remaining focused and determined to achieve the best possible outcome. I’m very grateful for his support and would not hesitate to recommend his services.
Divorce Client
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Posted 24 March 2026
I used the services of Emma Adcock and her team at Rothera Bray Solicitors and they were great - very pleasant, efficient and delivered to time and agreed cost. I would have no doubt in recommending them to others.
Jo
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Posted 12 March 2026
I wanted to thank you for your time, guidance, and the work you have carried out on my matter so far. I genuinely appreciate your support and professionalism throughout.
Anonymous Family client
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Posted 9 March 2026
David was great, always positive but realistic on what to expect. Would highly recommend anyone needing help or advice on divorce.
J.P.
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Posted 10 February 2026
Emma Adcock was absolutely superb during my divorce and subsequently during a prolonged and difficult house sale in which she endeavoured to get the right and just outcome for me. I would never use any other solicitor or solicitors firm for any legal challenges that may come along in the future. I cannot say enough great things about Emma or the firm Rothera Bray. Thank you so much.
Michael F
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Posted 29 January 2026
I've been a client of Rothera Bray for the last few years while negotiating a somewhat lengthy divorce process. It should have been fairly straightforward but there were issues with the other side... However my solicitor (Sarah) was extremely patient, supportive and professional throughout and we finally got the required outcome. I was extremely grateful for all Rothera Bray did in supporting me through the process and I would definitely recommend them to others.
Nina T
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Posted 20 January 2026
I can’t thank you enough for the support, patience and counsel you have offered over the last few difficult months! Not least of which the peace of mind you have provided throughout the period working with you all. Thank you so much!
Mr B, Nottingham

Ann-Marie Bowman
Partner, Chairwoman & Head of Care
Ann-Marie Bowman is Partner and Chairwoman of East Midlands-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors. Working from our Nottingham and Derby offices, Ann-Marie remains highly committed to her fee-earning work in Family law, dealing with all aspects of children law.

David Berridge
Partner
David has over 30 years’ experience practicing Family Law. He is one of the most experienced family solicitors in Leicestershire and deals with a wide variety of matters.

Sarah Gill
Partner
Sarah is an experienced matrimonial and family law solicitor, dealing with children matters including child care, financial issues following separation of married couples and divorce. She undertakes court work in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Warwickshire. She is based at our Market Harborough office.

Charley Kelly
Associate Solicitor
Charley is an experienced Family Associate Solicitor who specialises in all areas of Family law. She acts for clients on a wide range of family issues including divorce, financial remedy and children matters. She is based at our Leicester office.

Emily Sherwood
Associate Solicitor
Emily Sherwood is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market Nottingham and Derby offices.

Gurpreet Singh
Associate
Gurpreet Singh is an Associate in Rothera Bray’s Child Care department and is based at our Derby office.

Gabriella Kent
Solicitor
Gabriella Kent is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Nottingham Lace Market office.

Skyler Broadhead
Managing Paralegal
Skyler Broadhead is a Managing Paralegal in Rothera Bray Solicitors’ Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market and Derby offices.

Lucy Famakinwa
Paralegal
Lucy Famakinwa is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Child Care team and is based at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.

Hannah Lilley
Paralegal
Hannah Lilley is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Child Care team and is based at our Lace Market and Derby offices. Hannah specialises in care proceedings and private children law matters.