Applying for AO

[PaintedLadyWBB]

I started filling in the AO and there are a few confusing bits on there so if anyone could help then it would be appreciated.

LO’s SW is on leave for several weeks 🙄 and our SW is being a bit lazy and doesn’t want us to do it yet (we are 13 weeks in). There is no question about it being a good match. It’s perfect.

It sounds like a daft question but do I have tell SWs that we will be submitting the AO application? Obviously they will know eventually but as our SW is dragging her heels and wanting us to wait longer, I just want to get it done and don’t want any more excuses from her.

We have our 2nd review next week. Should we wait or just send it in? It’s pretty much completed.

There is a section titled 'cases concerning a related child'. It says:

*To the best of my knowledge, no proceedings related to a full, half or step brother or sister of the child have been completed or commenced in any court

or

*The following proceedings relating to a full, half or step brother or sister of the child have been completed/commenced (please give details below and, if you were a party to any proceedings that have been completed, attach a copy of the final order)

LO has several siblings by different fathers, all of who have been adopted (nothing to do with us). Do we have to fill this in?

Is there a fee to apply for the AO?

It is asking for documents to be sent along with the application. Most of which we don't have. But it has asked for a photocopy of our passports and driving licenses. Is that correct?

Congratulations on preparing to apply for your adoption order 🥳

Any bits you are unsure of it is 100% worth getting clarity from your adoption SW before submitting your application. We had our application returned to us with the most tiny change needed that added weeks.

I think they will want the adoption order numbers or court case numbers for all full and half siblings. Our SW provided this information for us.

Yes you need to send 2 copies of your ID 😊

To be honest if you have a review next week I would wait and ask the SW to look over the application before submitting it, better than having it returned!

Obviously they will know eventually but as our SW is dragging her heels and wanting us to wait longer,

Is there a reason SW want you to wait? In my experience they want the legal process done as quickly as possible so I’d just check there isn’t a reason for wanting to hang back. I can’t advise on the process because in Scotland the application is made by lawyers and they do all the form filling, document checking etc.

Good luck - our adoption was finalised 15 weeks after our two arrived, I’m so in favour of just getting it done as quickly as, I’d just check they don’t know anything you don’t know which makes them want to delay.

@Jellycatspyjamas all the SW said was that the courts like people to wait until after the second review. Also said that she has to do a total of 3 visits but she’s only done 2 face to face plus one webex due to Covid. In my opinion, the webex is a visit. LO’s SW has visited regularly

@SFCA thank you. I will give them a call and request the information about siblings. Thank you for your help

I’d press on in that case, the court will be understanding that usual visits might not happen - in saying that I’d have expected her to visit/webex much more frequently in the early stages. We saw social workers weekly for the first 8 weeks. The review is no big deal assuming everything is going ok and you’ll have had it by the time court look at your paperwork anyway.

Good luck - fingers crossed for a quick process.

@Jellycatspyjamas we too thought that she might have visited more often too. So full of excuses 🙄

Oh how frustrating for you. Press on get the info you need.