A, Re (No. 2) (Adoption) [2025] EWFC 213 (B) (11 July 2025)

A, Re (No. 2) (Adoption) [2025] EWFC 213 (B) (11 July 2025)

A's welfare throughout his life requires that he remain in Ms D's care with legal and emotional security, which only adoption can provide. Dispensing with Ms C's consent is necessary and proportionate given A's complex needs, the established relationship with Ms D, and the inability of Ms C to meet A's needs now or in the future. Adoption reflects A's lived reality and secures his best interests.

Citation
[2025] EWFC 213 (B)
Parties
Applicant Prospective Adopter: Ms D; First Respondent Birth Mother: Ms C; Second Respondent Local Authority: County A Council; Third Respondent Child: A (by guardian Ms O)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 July 2025
Procedural Posture
Adoption Application Under Adoption and Children Act 2002 / Final Judgment After Contested Hearing
Outcome
Adoption order granted in favour of Ms D; Ms C's consent dispensed with.
Legal Topics
Adoption, Special Guardianship, Dispensing With Parental Consent, Welfare of the Child, Contact Arrangements
Family Law Child Law Adoption Special Guardianship Dispensing With Parental Consent Welfare of the Child Contact Arrangements

Case Brief

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Parties

Ms D

Applicant Prospective Adopter

Ms C

First Respondent Birth Mother

County A Council

Second Respondent Local Authority

A (by guardian Ms O)

Third Respondent Child

Procedural Posture

Adoption Application Under Adoption and Children Act 2002 / Final Judgment After Contested Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether to grant an adoption order to Ms D for A
  2. 2 Whether to dispense with Ms C's consent to adoption
  3. 3 Appropriate contact arrangements post-adoption

Ratio Decidendi

A's welfare throughout his life requires that he remain in Ms D's care with legal and emotional security, which only adoption can provide. Dispensing with Ms C's consent is necessary and proportionate given A's complex needs, the established relationship with Ms D, and the inability of Ms C to meet A's needs now or in the future. Adoption reflects A's lived reality and secures his best interests.

Court Disposition

Adoption order granted in favour of Ms D; Ms C's consent dispensed with.

Orders

  • Adoption order made in favour of Ms D for A.
  • Ms C's consent to adoption dispensed with under s52(1) ACA 2002.