Part 1Adoption

Chapter 2The adoption process

The making of adoption orders

33Restrictions on making orders

1

Except where subsection (2) applies, the court may not hear an application for an adoption order in relation to a child where a previous application falling within subsection (3) made in relation to the child by the same persons was refused by any court.

2

This subsection applies where—

a

in refusing the previous application, the court directed that this section should not apply, or

b

it appears to the court that, because of a change in circumstances, or for any other reason, it is proper to hear the application.

3

An application falls within this subsection if it is an application for—

a

an adoption order,

b

an adoption order as defined in section 46(1) of the 2002 Act,

c

an order made, or having effect as if made, under Article 12 of the Northern Ireland Order,

d

an order for adoption made in the Isle of Man,

e

an order for adoption made in any of the Channel Islands.