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Adoption

Legal advice and support for those who wish to adopt a child

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:

Contact our Child Care team
The adoption process is often lengthy and challenging, and involves a number of legal implications which can be hard to navigate without the advice of a legal expert

Experienced solicitors for adoption advice

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.

Rothera Bray Child Care team

Our adoption services

We can help with adopting a child when you are a:

  • Relative
  • Stepparent or foster parent
  • Carer
  • Same Sex Couple

We can also advise and support you with:

The Law Society Children Law Accreditation
Adopting a child can be complex. We can make it more simple for you.
Ann-Marie Bowman
Ann-Marie Bowman

Contact our Child Care Law team

Reviews

October 7, 2026
I am Autistic and have CPTSD (Complex post-traumatic stress disorder). I normally need an intermediary to help me talk to solicitors but not here. I have Gabriella and Lucy. As a team they are the perfect mix. Gabriella is always able to spot when I’m about to have an episode and bring me back to neutral and Lucy’s emails are always Autism friendly. They put in reasonable adjustments I didn’t even ask for like colour coding important parts they need me to concentrate on, consider and respond to. I don’t even need an intermediary with them. They do regular updates which helps keeps me from worrying and most importantly they listen with the intent to comprehend not just respond. If you’re looking for a family solicitor and you have CPTSD or are neurodivergent, these 2 are your best options.
- SW
August 19, 2026
We would like to thank you all, for everything you have done. From the bottom of our hearts. You have all worked above and beyond. I honestly cannot thank you enough. If anyone needs a family solicitor, I will recommend your team.
- Family law client
August 19, 2026
I recognise these are not ideal circumstances and there is still some way to go, but I wanted to say thank you to you (Gabriella), Lucy and Hannah for getting me to a stage where I have been reunited with my daughter.
- Anonymous child care law client
August 19, 2026
I cannot begin to thank you for the countless hours you devoted to ensuring everything was presented clearly and thoroughly. Throughout this entire journey, you have been an advocate not only for me, but for my children as well. I truly do not believe I would have achieved the outcome I did today without your guidance, support, and belief in me from day one.
- Child care client
July 30, 2026
Couldn’t ask for better, highly recommend Rothera Bray, Emily, Skyler and Monique (Barrister) were all very helpful and the best outcome was achieved. I will definitely be back for future services even though it was a very quick process with Rothera Bray, they were very professional and supportive. Thank you again for all your advice and support.
- Charlotte Oakley
July 13, 2026
We cannot thank Rothera Bray enough for the outstanding support they provided throughout our Special Guardianship Order (SGO) process. Thanks to their expertise, professionalism, and dedication, we achieved a successful outcome, and we genuinely couldn't have done it without them. A special thank you goes to Ann-Marie and Emily, who guided us every step of the way. They were always there to offer advice, reassurance, and practical support whenever we needed it. No question was ever too much trouble, and they responded to any concerns or issues incredibly quickly, giving us confidence throughout what was a very challenging and emotional process. Their professionalism, knowledge, and attention to detail are of the highest standard. They made us feel supported from start to finish and always had our best interests at heart. We are truly grateful for everything they have done for our family and would wholeheartedly recommend Rothera Bray to anyone in need of exceptional legal representation. Thank you again, Ann-Marie and Emily, for making such a positive difference to our lives.
- Barbara
April 28, 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
March 26, 2026
Thankyou so much for today, both you and Hannah have been amazing in helping and supporting me. I couldn't of picked 2 better people or law firm!
- Anonymous
November 11, 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
August 26, 2025
I went to Rothera Bray solicitors as they accepted Legal Aid, and I needed help with a non-molestation order. I also wanted to apply for a Child Arrangements Order. What started as a simple application soon changed due to the other party’s actions and behaviour. They helped and advised me every step of the way. I was never ignored and always felt like a valued client, even though I was a legal aid client, and I know that isn’t always the case with other firms. They applied for my legal aid on my behalf, which took the strain away from me. My case ran on for 17 months in total, and I was always treated by Skyler and Ann-Marie with importance and respect consistently. My case ended with me having all protective orders and a lives with order until my child is 16. I highly recommend using Rothera Bray, especially if it involves Domestic Abuse. The care and attention you require in those difficult circumstances is exactly what you need. I would go back to them if it were ever needed.
- Private Children Law and Non-Molestation Orders client
August 5, 2025
I’m incredibly grateful for the support and guidance I’ve received from Gabriella throughout the child arrangement proceedings. She approaches every aspect of the case with exceptional care, attention to detail, and genuine empathy. From the very beginning, she took the time to truly understand the unique complexities of my situation and the needs of my children. Her ability to balance legal precision with emotional sensitivity has been invaluable during such a difficult and personal process. What stands out most is how thoroughly she prepares — always referencing relevant case law, anticipating potential challenges, and providing clear, strategic advice tailored to my circumstances. I’ve never felt like just another client; she treats the case with the seriousness and dedication it deserves, and I feel fully supported and heard every step of the way. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone navigating the family court system.
- AH
May 22, 2025
I just wanted to say thank you so much...I truly appreciate all your advice. I wanted to say that we all came away saying how lovely and we all really liked your approach with me. We came away feeling a bit better about things, so thank you.
- Anonymous - Family Client
May 15, 2025
It was a pleasure to have worked with you. I really want to thank you for all your efforts.  Thank you so much.
- Sadia Hussain
August 13, 2024
Emily Sherwood is the most professional and kindest most helpful person ever. I can’t thank her enough. Her communication and advice helped me so much whilst I was going through an urgent child arrangement case and I couldn’t recommend anyone better than her. Thank you so much Emily and thank you so much Rothera Bray. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.
- M Hanif
July 25, 2024
Emily Jasmine and Hannah all amazing kept me updated on everything!
- Jake Lanson
July 9, 2024
Me and my partner almost lost our child to adoption but these guys fought and helped us and now she's gone for a special guardianship, so I can't thank them enough. I can't thank Emily Sherwood enough, she's the best, best solicitors, 5 stars!
- Leah

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