Join us in recognising the power of adoption as we talk through the most important aspects of the process.
What is National Adoption Week?
National Adoption Week (October 21-27) celebrates adoption journeys of all kinds, honouring the individuals and families involved and the positive impact it can have on their lives. It’s a significant milestone in the Family Law calendar.
Why is it important?
Growing a family through adoption is a wonderful thing. National Adoption Week casts a spotlight on this journey, sharing the stories of some of the families the process has touched. It’s a truly important initiative that raises awareness, making it a less daunting prospect and helping people seek the correct help. If you’re a parent, aspiring parent, foster parent or stepparent in the early stages of the adoption process, National Adoption Week is a great place to seek inspiration and guidance.
How can Jefferies help?
Finding the right solicitor to guide and assist you through your adoption journey is imperative. Whatever your position, we recognise these applications are emotionally taxing and you will need not just legal strength but compassion. It’s essential a solicitor places value on both. Working with Jefferies means getting the right support, advice and expertise.
Your essential guide to our adoption services
The rules surrounding adoption are complex as are the many forms that must be submitted throughout the process. Our clear and coherent legal advice will provide essential support and reassure you every step of the way. We can help with the following:
- Applying for an adoption order.
- Applying for a stepparent adoption order.
- Opposing a stepparent adoption order.
- Opposing an application for adoption order. This requires the court’s permission and requires legal expertise.
- Representing children in adoption proceedings.
- Representation at hearings once an application has been submitted to the court.
- Assessing eligibility for public funding also known as legal aid. This is limited but we can use our expertise to help.
We are here for you
We have both professional and personal experience in the difficulties people can face navigating the complex adoption rules and laws and can support clients through all aspects of the process. Our solicitors are ready to help.
Our specialists
Anne-Marie Rainford
As a Partner and Head of our Family Law department, Anne-Marie Rainford is a highly experienced family law attorney at Jefferies Solicitors. With a passion for advocating for the rights of individuals and families, representing parents, family members and children (both via Cafcass and directly), Anne-Marie has built a strong reputation in the field. Her expertise extends to a wide range of family law matters, including adoption, care proceedings, private law proceedings, same sex families and cases involving foreign elements.
Anne-Marie is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to her clients. She understands the sensitive nature of family law cases and works diligently to ensure that her clients feel safe, secure, and supported throughout the legal process. Well-equipped to handle complex cases and achieve favourable outcomes for her clients, she attends cases in local courts and the High Court.
Alongside her Law degree from the University of Liverpool, Anne-Marie gained a Distinction in her LPC in London. She has achieved her Higher Rights of Audience, and accreditation on the Law Society’s Children Panel; membership of which demonstrates a high level of specialism within child law.
Sian Jenkins
Sian Jenkins is a skilled family law solicitor specialising in children’s law disputes. With expertise in both private and public law proceedings, Sian regularly represents parents, children (through CAFCASS Guardians and directly), and other family members in a variety of cases, including care proceedings, adoption applications, and those involving domestic abuse. Her dedication to advocating for the best interests of her clients is evident in her frequent appearances in County and Magistrates Courts.
Alongside her Law degree from the University of Aberystwyth and her LPC at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford, Sian achieved accreditation on the Law Society’s Children Panel in 2014 after demonstrating her expertise and abilities in this area.
What’s next?
If you’re embarking on an adoption journey you should contact a solicitor to help navigate the process. At Jefferies, support and compassion is a priority and our department of Family Law specialists are ready to offer the expertise and guidance needed. Get in touch today.
The contents of this article are for the purpose of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.