Petition · past parliament · Department for Education

Allow adult adoption in the UK

Closed 230 signatures

What the petition asks

We believe Parliament should allow adults to be adopted in the UK.

Allowing people over the age of 18 to be adopted in the UK can recognise relationships in law and society. Everyone is entitled to be recognised as family in the law.
Adult adoption can give people a sense of belonging and validation. It can give a person the right to chose who their family is, without being restricted by law as a child.

Adult adoptions are less complicated and costly than child adoptions as the only consent that's required is the adopter and the adoptee.

Timeline

23 Nov 2020 Petition opened for signatures
23 May 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 230
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 23 Nov 2020
Closed 23 May 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.