Legalise adult adoption

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.

This petition closed on 8 May 2025 with 579 signatures


Reticulating Splines


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).


Petition Signatures over time

Constituency Data

Reticulating Splines