Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has warned couples hoping to adopt a child to be wary of hefty legal fees which they don’t need to pay.
“I have been contacted by a local couple who are currently going through the adoption process and went to their solicitor for assistance,” Ms. Anderson said.
“The solicitor was charging them almost £2000 to process their adoption application and the couple were obviously prepared to pay whatever it took in order to realise their dream of adopting a child.
“However, before paying, they contacted Social Services who informed them that there was absolutely no need to employ a solicitor and that their application could be processed by Social Services for a set fee of just £100.
“I would like to commend this couple who contacted me in order to make others aware of this situation. They don’t want anyone else to have to pay large legal fees for adopting a child when there is absolutely no need to do so.
“Adoption is obviously a very personal and emotional decision and I believe the process should be made as straightforward as possible for any couple seeking to adopt and unnecessary legal fees should have no part whatsoever in this process.” ENDS
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