Adoption Forms UK: Court Applications Explained

What this document is

Adoption forms are the standardised court documents used in England and Wales to make applications under the Adoption and Children Act 2002. They cover everything from placing a child with prospective adopters, to varying or revoking existing orders, to asking the court for permission to change a child's surname or take them out of the United Kingdom.

Each form is prefixed with the letter 'A' followed by a number (A4, A5, A50 through A56, and others), and each maps to a specific section of the 2002 Act. The forms are completed by the applicant, usually with supporting evidence and, in most cases, a fee payable to the court.

Check gov.uk for the current fee. Some applications can only be made by particular people, for example a local authority or an adoption agency, while others are open to parents, guardians, or the child's representatives. Using the right form at the right stage matters: filing the wrong one can delay proceedings, and adoption timelines already carry real weight for the child involved.

How to use this document

1. Work out which form fits your application. Before anything else, identify what you are actually asking the court to do. Revoking a placement order, applying for contact, and seeking permission to change a surname are all separate applications with separate forms. The headings on gov.uk list each form against the section of the 2002 Act it relates to.
2. Gather your supporting information. Most adoption forms require details of the child, the parties involved, the orders already in place, and the reasons for your application. Have dates, case numbers from earlier proceedings, and the names of any adoption agency or local authority to hand before you start filling anything in.
3. Complete the form carefully and truthfully. Court forms are legal documents. Statements made on them can be relied upon, and inaccuracies can derail an application. Take your time, use plain language where the form invites it, and do not leave sections blank unless they genuinely do not apply to your circumstances.
4. Pay the court fee or apply for help with fees. Adoption applications usually attract a court fee, though fee remission is available for those on qualifying benefits or low incomes. Check gov.uk for the current amount and the 'Help with Fees' scheme before you submit.
5. File the form with the correct court. Adoption applications are normally dealt with in the Family Court. Follow the filing instructions on the form itself, keep copies of everything you send, and note the date of submission. The court will then set directions and, in most cases, list a hearing.