PK v Mr And Mrs K

PK v Mr And Mrs K

Given the highly exceptional circumstances—PK's abandonment by her adoptive parents, her subsequent abuse, her clear wishes, and the lack of opposition from Mr and Mrs K—the court exercised its inherent jurisdiction to revoke the adoption order and permit the change of name, prioritizing PK's welfare over public policy considerations.

Parties
Applicant: PK; Respondents: Mr and Mrs K
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
31 July 2015
Procedural Posture
Family / Judgment
Outcome
Applications allowed
Legal Topics
Revocation of Adoption Order, Change of Name, Inherent Jurisdiction, Child Welfare
Family Law Revocation of Adoption Order Change of Name Inherent Jurisdiction Child Welfare

Case Brief

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Parties

PK

Applicant

Mr and Mrs K

Respondents

Procedural Posture

Family / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the adoption order in favour of Mr and Mrs K should be revoked under the court's inherent jurisdiction
  2. 2 Whether PK should be permitted to change her last name to that of her biological mother

Ratio Decidendi

Given the highly exceptional circumstances—PK's abandonment by her adoptive parents, her subsequent abuse, her clear wishes, and the lack of opposition from Mr and Mrs K—the court exercised its inherent jurisdiction to revoke the adoption order and permit the change of name, prioritizing PK's welfare over public policy considerations.

Court Disposition

Applications allowed

Orders

  • The adoption order made in favour of Mr and Mrs K is revoked.
  • PK is permitted to change her last name to that of her biological mother.