Petition · Department for Education
Legalise adult adoption
Closed
579 signatures
What the petition asks
We think it is time for adult adoption to be legalised in the UK.
We believe amending this law would offer individuals the opportunity, as a legal adult, to sever connections with absent, abusive, or otherwise unsuitable parents.
We believe amending this law would offer individuals the opportunity, as a legal adult, to sever connections with absent, abusive, or otherwise unsuitable parents.
Places legalising adult adoption include:
- Some US States
- Some Provinces in Canada
- Japan
- Germany
The age for adoption ends when the individual reaches 18. Due to this being the cut off age, this doesn't give the individual the independence of being classed as an adult and processing their own adoption application. Applications made prior to the age of 18 are subject to the approval of the named parents, except in specific circumstance.
We believe this law is extremely detrimental to the mental health of individuals who have experienced abuse at the hand of their parent(s).
- Some US States
- Some Provinces in Canada
- Japan
- Germany
The age for adoption ends when the individual reaches 18. Due to this being the cut off age, this doesn't give the individual the independence of being classed as an adult and processing their own adoption application. Applications made prior to the age of 18 are subject to the approval of the named parents, except in specific circumstance.
We believe this law is extremely detrimental to the mental health of individuals who have experienced abuse at the hand of their parent(s).
Timeline
| 8 Nov 2024 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 8 May 2025 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
579
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Education
Opened
8 Nov 2024
Closed
8 May 2025
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 3 Aug 2026.