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 13 November 2025
Emily was really good and helped last minute but nothing was too much trouble . She did a fantastic job wouldn't hesitate if I needed a solicitor again. 5 star service.
Laura
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Posted 12 November 2025
I recently engaged Ewan Paton from Rothera Bray – he was approachable, professional, and genuinely understanding throughout a difficult time. He took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me updated at every stage, and always made me feel at ease. His calm and practical approach gave me great confidence, and I couldn’t have asked for better support. I’d highly recommend Ewan to anyone needing reliable and compassionate legal advice.
Mr Morrison
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Posted 12 November 2025
I was with another firm but as soon as I seen the reviews on this firm I changed to this firm. I cannot recommend this firm enough. I have had Gabriella and Hannah working on my case they are a credit to this firm also informing me on my case. Raising any issues immediately. Very polite and professional. I would recommend anyone using this firm.
Hannah
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Posted 11 November 2025
I can’t thank the team enough for everything they’ve done for me and my children. From start to finish, the whole company have been absolutely brilliant — always putting our needs and wishes first and supporting us every step of the way. Their communication, care, and understanding have been second to none. A special mention has to go to Emily, who is truly one in a million. She went above and beyond to make sure I felt heard, reassured, and fully supported throughout what was one of the most difficult times in my life. I’d highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for a solicitor who genuinely cares about both you and your family. Thank you all so much for everything you’ve done.
Nathan
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Posted 7 November 2025
I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service from Emily Sherwood at Rothera Bray. Navigating a stressful situation, She provided calm, expert guidance and communicated clearly throughout the process. Her knowledge was evident, and she was always one step ahead. She successfully handled my case, and I felt supported and informed every step of the way. I highly recommend her services and would definitely use her again. Thank you very much Emily.
Ryan S
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Posted 3 November 2025
Just wanted to say a huge thank you to you for all your help and kindness over the past year sorting out my consent order. You have made life so much easier for both myself and my parents.
Mrs C
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Posted 2 November 2025
I emailed a number of solicitors around Nottingham about taking on my divorce case. Most didn't reply. Emma Adcock contacted me by phone, that same day, for an initial chat. I was having a really awful, stressful time, but after speaking with Emma, I felt confident that she would guide me through the process. She's vey approachable, and I felt I could contact her with all manner of queries
Alison
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Posted 27 October 2025
I first met Rebecca early December of 2024. First impressions of Rebecca was what a lovely, warm person that Rebecca is. My first meeting with Rebecca was around 20-25 minutes but on leaving that meeting I had the upmost faith in Rebecca. Rebecca supported me for approximately 10 months from our initial meeting and Rebecca was amazing. If it wasn't for Rebecca I wouldn't have got anywhere with the issue that I had.
Gary Barr
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Posted 7 October 2025
I have received amazing support and service from Emily at Rother Bray. She has been brilliant throughout and has always answered any questions that I have and nothing has been too much trouble for her. Would highly recommend.
Hannah
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Posted 28 September 2025
Sarah Gill gave me great, clear, concise advice on a complicated matter.
Mr Palmer
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Posted 26 September 2025
I had an excellent experience with Rothera Bray Family Solicitors. From the outset, they truly listened and showed real empathy, which immediately gave me confidence that I was in safe hands. Their legal counsel was clear, practical and reassuring, and every query I raised was handled with genuine care and diligence. In particular, I would like to commend Emily Sherwood, who was instrumental in guiding me through the process. She provided structured and thoughtful advice that was easy to follow, which helped to significantly reduce the stress and anxiety these matters so often bring. I am deeply grateful for the support I received and would not hesitate to recommend Rothera Bray to anyone in need of professional, compassionate and reliable legal advice.
Peter
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Posted 25 September 2025
Absolutely excellent service! David Berridge was straight forward and very to the point, kept me in the loop throughout my case and handled it well with sound and logical advice. He was also conscious of the cost and always gave me options with explanation to each process as well as the possible cost it could incur. David acted in a timely manner, communicated well and was efficient in dealing with my divorce case. My parents as well as other family members have also utilised the services of Rothera Bray solicitors and they have always been professional, prompt and courteous when handling any of our cases.
Mayur N

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.