At Premium Solicitors, our experienced family law solicitors provide specialist legal advice and representation for individuals and couples seeking a Parental Order Application in the UK. A parental order is a court order that transfers legal parenthood from a surrogate (and her spouse or civil partner, where applicable) to the intended parent or parents following a surrogacy arrangement.
Need help with a parental order application? Premium Solicitors provide expert legal advice on surrogacy, parental orders, international surrogacy, and family court applications throughout England and Wales.
Our dedicated family law team can guide you through every stage of the parental order process, ensuring that your application is prepared correctly and submitted efficiently to secure your legal parental rights.
- Page Contents
- Free Advice for Parental Order
- What is a Parental Order?
- Who Can Apply?
- Why Is a Parental Order Important?
- Application Process
- Parental Orders for Surrogate Children
- Documents for Parental Orders
- Common Challenges
- Why Choose Us?
- How Our Solicitors Can Help
- Our Team of Family Law Solicitors
- Book an Appointment
- Our Fixed Fees
- Get a Quote
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Free Advice for Parental Order Applications
At Premium Solicitors, we understand that parental order matters and other family law matters can be emotionally challenging and stressful. To help you better understand your legal position before booking a detailed consultation, our experienced team offers a 5-minute free advice service on parental order matters.
This free initial advice session gives you the opportunity to briefly discuss your circumstances with one of our experienced divorce and family law solicitors and receive general guidance about the legal options and next steps available to you.
To benefit from our 5-minute free advice service on your parental order application, complete the enquiry form below or call us on 020 3930 3900 today.
What is a Parental Order?
A parental order is a legal order made by the Family Court that permanently transfers parenthood from the surrogate mother to the intended parent(s). Once a parental order is granted:
- The intended parent(s) become the child's legal parents.
- The surrogate ceases to be the child's legal mother.
- Any parental rights held by the surrogate's spouse or civil partner are extinguished.
- A new birth certificate can be issued naming the intended parent(s) as the child's legal parents.
A parental order provides lifelong legal security for both the child and the intended family.
Who Can Apply for a Parental Order?
You may be eligible to apply for a parental order if:
- The child was born through a surrogacy arrangement.
- At least one of the applicants has a genetic connection to the child.
- The application is made within the statutory time limits.
- The child is living with the applicant(s).
- The applicant(s) are domiciled in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man.
- The surrogate and any other legal parent freely consent to the parental order.
- Any payments made to the surrogate are authorised by the court where required.
Both married and unmarried couples, civil partners, and, in many circumstances, single applicants may be eligible to apply.
Why Is a Parental Order Important?
Without a parental order, the intended parent(s) may not automatically be recognised as the child's legal parents, even if they are biologically related to the child.
Obtaining a parental order can:
- Secure full parental responsibility.
- Establish legal parenthood permanently.
- Protect inheritance rights.
- Enable the issue of a new birth certificate.
- Provide legal certainty for the child's future.
- Ensure recognition of the parent-child relationship under UK law.
The Parental Order Application Process
1. Initial Legal Assessment
Our family law solicitors will assess your eligibility for a parental order and identify any issues that may affect your application.
2. Preparing the Application
We assist with:
- Completing the relevant court forms.
- Gathering supporting evidence.
- Preparing witness statements.
- Ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
3. Court Proceedings
The Family Court will appoint a Parental Order Reporter who will investigate the circumstances of the surrogacy arrangement and prepare a report for the court.
4. Final Hearing
If the court is satisfied that all statutory requirements have been met and the order is in the child's best interests, a parental order will be granted.
International Surrogacy and Parental Orders
Many intended parents pursue surrogacy arrangements overseas. International surrogacy can create complex legal issues involving:
- Immigration status.
- British nationality.
- Travel documentation.
- Foreign birth certificates.
- Recognition of parentage.
Premium Solicitors have extensive experience dealing with international family law and immigration matters. We can advise on both the parental order process and any related immigration or nationality applications.
Documents Required for a Parental Order Application
The documents required for the parental order application may vary depending on the applicant's circumstances. The documents required may include:
- Child's birth certificate.
- Surrogacy agreement (if available).
- Proof of domicile.
- Evidence of genetic parentage.
- Identification documents.
- Evidence relating to payments made to the surrogate.
- Consent forms from the surrogate and any other legal parent.
Our solicitors will advise you on the specific documents required for your case.
Common Challenges in Parental Order Applications
Parental order applications can become complicated where:
- The surrogacy arrangement took place abroad.
- There are questions regarding consent.
- The application is submitted outside the usual time limits.
- There are immigration or nationality issues.
- The surrogate cannot be located.
- Significant payments were made to the surrogate.
Our specialist family law solicitors have the expertise to overcome these challenges and present the strongest possible application on your behalf.
Why Choose Premium Solicitors?
Premium Solicitors are specialist family law solicitors with extensive experience in complex family court applications. Clients choose us because:
- We are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- We offer fixed-fee and hourly rate options.
- We provide clear, practical legal advice.
- We have extensive experience in family law matters.
- We offer remote consultations via telephone, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp and email.
- We represent clients throughout England and Wales.
Our Team of Specialist Parental Order Solicitors in London
Our family law solicitors are specialists in applications for Parental Orders. As one of the best family law solicitors, we have an excellent track record of helping clients with applications for Parental Orders. Our highly experienced and fully qualified family law solicitors can provide fast, friendly, reliable advice and legal representation for your Parental Order application.
The high quality of legal services provided by our best team of family law solicitors is self-evident from the 5-star Google Reviews rating by 99% of our clients. Our London-based family law solicitors are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, offering unwavering dedication and exceptional legal support for a wide range of divorce and family law cases. Our family law solicitors bring more than 5 decades of collective, specialised expertise to handle divorce and family law matters.
Meet Our Team of Family Law Solicitors in London
At Premium Solicitors, our strength lies in the expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our family law solicitors in London. We understand that divorce and family law matters are life-changing events, and our team is here to guide you through every step of the legal process with professionalism and care.
Our team comprises a diverse group of family law solicitors, each bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. We are united by a shared goal: to deliver the highest level of legal support and advocacy tailored to your needs.
Nazamah Munir Akhtar
Divorce & Family Law Solicitor
Arshad Mahmood
Divorce & Family Law Solicitor
Tushita Scalzullo
Divorce & Family Law Solicitor
Victoria Gbenoba
Divorce & Family Law Solicitor
Alina Rizvi
Divorce & Family Law SolicitorLanguages Spoken By Our Team
At Premium Solicitors, we prioritise clear and effective communication in all legal matters. Our team of specialist divorce and family law solicitors offers multilingual legal services, ensuring clients receive accurate advice in a language they fully understand.
By removing language barriers, we help minimise misunderstandings and handle your case with clarity and confidence.
Languages we speak:
English | Urdu | Punjabi | Hindi | Farsi | Italian | German | Marathi
Schedule Your Consultation With Our Family Law Solicitors
Are you seeking expert legal advice and consultation from our highly experienced and qualified team of family law solicitors and lawyers in London? It's easy to secure an appointment with our dedicated family law specialists. Our expert team of family law solicitors and lawyers can provide detailed advice and consultation, face-to-face in our London office or virtually via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, or Phone. Book your appointment today using the appointment booking link provided below:
Our family law solicitors are ready to assist you with your application for a Parental Order. Book your appointment today for personalised guidance and support.
Our Fees for Parental Order Applications
We can act for you on an hourly rate basis for your application for a parental order, at £245 + VAT per hour. In addition to our fees, you must pay all disbursements, including the court fee and the Barrister's fee.
Get a Fee Quote for Your Parental Order Application
At Premium Solicitors, we believe in transparency and simplicity. We offer fixed-fee quotes for our specialist divorce and family law services.
Ready to get started? Use the link below to request a fixed-fee quote tailored to your needs.
How to Engage Us for Your Divorce and Family Law Matter?
You can instruct divorce and family law solicitors in London at Premium Solicitors for your divorce and family law matter by getting in contact with us using one of the following means of contact:
Call Us: 0044 20 3930 3900
Email Us: familylaw@premiumsolicitors.co.uk
Complete Enquiry Form: Send your enquiry through our website enquiry form
Book an Appointment Online: You can book an appointment with one of our specialist divorce and family law solicitors in London for detailed advice and consultation on your matter.
FAQs - Parental Order Applications
The following are various Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Parental Order applications:
A Parental Order is a court order that transfers legal parenthood from a surrogate mother (and her spouse or civil partner, if applicable) to the intended parent or parents following a surrogacy arrangement. Once granted, the intended parents become the child's legal parents with full parental responsibility.
Without a Parental Order, the surrogate remains the child's legal mother under UK law, regardless of any genetic connection between the child and the intended parents. A Parental Order ensures that the intended parents have full legal rights and responsibilities for the child.
A Parental Order can be applied for by a single intended parent or by two intended parents who are married, civil partners, or in an enduring family relationship. At least one applicant must have a genetic connection to the child.
A Parental Order application can usually be made after the child is born. The surrogate's consent cannot be given until at least six weeks after the birth.
To apply for a Parental Order in England and Wales, you must complete Form C51 and submit it to the Family Court together with the required supporting documents and court fee. The court will then list the matter for consideration and appoint a Parental Order Reporter.
The documents required to apply for a parental order may vary depending on the applicant's circumstances. The required documents may include:
- The child's full birth certificate;
- Details of the surrogacy arrangement;
- Evidence of the genetic relationship;
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable);
- Proof of domicile and residence; and
- Any consent forms required from the surrogate and other legal parents.
The exact documentation will depend on the circumstances of your case.
Yes. The surrogate and any other legal parent must freely and unconditionally consent to the Parental Order. This consent can only be given after the child is six weeks old.
Yes. Since changes to the law, single intended parents can apply for a Parental Order provided they meet the relevant legal requirements, including having a genetic connection to the child.
Yes. Intended parents who have children through overseas surrogacy arrangements usually still need to obtain a UK Parental Order to secure their legal parenthood in England and Wales, even if they are named on a foreign birth certificate.
The timescale varies depending on the complexity of the case. In most cases, the process takes several months and involves court hearings, safeguarding checks, and a report from a Parental Order Reporter appointed by the court.
A Parental Order Reporter is usually a qualified social worker appointed by the court through CAFCASS. Their role is to investigate the circumstances of the surrogacy arrangement and advise the court on whether granting the Parental Order is in the child's best interests.
Although Parental Orders are granted in most genuine surrogacy cases, the court must be satisfied that all statutory requirements have been met and that granting the order is in the child's welfare interests. Legal advice should be sought if there are concerns regarding eligibility or consent.
Once the Parental Order is made, the intended parent or parents become the child's legal parents. A new birth certificate is issued naming the intended parents, and the legal status of the surrogate and any spouse or civil partner is extinguished.
Although it is possible to make a Parental Order application without legal representation, surrogacy law is complex. A specialist family law solicitor can help ensure that the application is prepared correctly, all legal requirements are satisfied, and any complications are addressed efficiently.
Premium Solicitors provide specialist legal advice and representation for intended parents involved in UK and international surrogacy arrangements. Our experienced family law solicitors can assist with eligibility assessments, preparation of court applications, supporting documentation, court representation, and obtaining a Parental Order as quickly and smoothly as possible.