Adoption - directions hearings

A first directions hearing is an appointment at which the court will consider your application and make decisions (known as ‘directions’) about such matters as:

• the timetable for filing any reports from an adoption agency, local authority or CAFCASS/Welsh family proceedings officer, and any other evidence;
• whether there are any mistakes or omissions in your application or supporting documents that need to be corrected;
• if the child was not placed with you by an adoption agency, whether you need to give the court a statement explaining the background to your application and your reasons for wishing to adopt;
• tracing the child’s birth parents, if a father or mother has not been found;
• using alternative dispute resolution to resolve any contested issues;
• whether the child, or any other person, should be made a party to the application;
• whether the case should be transferred to a higher court;
• whether a further directions hearing is necessary; and
• if possible, the date and place of the final hearing. It is at the final hearing that the adoption order is made, if that is what the court decides.

A copy of the order explaining what directions the court has made will be sent to you or your solicitor.

Once directions have been given, the court will monitor the progress of your case to make certain that the timetable and any directions are complied with.

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Source:

HM Courts Service

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