Alternatives to step-parent adoption

You should fully explore the options below prior to considering adoption; they are quicker, easier, and often more suitable than applying for an adoption order for most families.

These options can be dealt with yourselves or by the court and usually do not require involvement from children’s services.

Parental Responsibility Agreement 

If you’d like to give your partner or another adult parental responsibility for your child, the simplest way to do this is by completing a Parental Responsibility Agreement.

This option works best when everyone who already has parental responsibility agrees to share it with the new person.

For example, a step-parent who is married to the child’s birth parent can gain parental responsibility - as long as all existing holders of parental responsibility give their consent.

To do this, you’ll need to complete the C(PRA2) form.

A Parental Responsibility Order

A Parental Responsibility Order is a court order that gives a named person parental responsibility for a child.This means that parental responsibility is shared between the person named in the order and anyone who already has it—such as a birth parent or another individual who has acquired it through a previous court order.

This legal route is often used when agreement between existing holders of parental responsibility isn’t possible, or when the court decides it’s in the child’s best interests.

Child Arrangement Order

Where those with parental responsibility cannot agree, then you may need the assistance of the court to get parental responsibility extended to your new partner or other.

A Child Arrangement Order specifies the name of the person or persons with whom a child is to live. The named person automatically acquires parental responsibility for the child, and this is shared with anyone else who has parental responsibility for the child (usually birth parents). The order lasts until the child reaches the age of 16 or 18.

Name Change

For those parents wishing to change a child’s surname, adoption is not required, and this can be achieved easily. The first step would be to seek the advice of a solicitor.

Further information

Find out more on the Gov.uk website