Our Work | Adoption, Surrogacy, and Children

We have assisted many families to bring their children to the UK or ensure their children are able to remain here. We understand that families come in all shapes and sizes and are not all the same.

We are proud of our expertise in adoption and international surrogacy work. Families adopting abroad or entering into a surrogacy arrangement should take advice on the immigration and nationality position for their children at the earliest possibility. These are complex areas of law, and an overseas adoption or surrogacy agreement does not necessarily lead to immigration permission or British citizenship. We can advise on your options and the quickest route to returning to the UK.

We also have a great deal of experience with applications to assist you in bringing your children to the UK in other circumstances. We can help with applications where the child’s parents are already living in the UK and with applications where the parents will be accompanying the child.

We are able to find solutions to ensure families can live together in the UK. We can work closely with your family lawyers, or we can recommend family lawyers if you do not already have one. Our work in this area is part of our commitment to the rights of families to be together.

“Barry O’Leary offers strong experience in complex family immigration matters including entry clearance applications and nationality issues arising from international surrogacy arrangements.” – Chambers & Partners 2025

“Alison Hunter is an expert in European free movement matters, especially those relating to families and children. She is also routinely instructed in complex nationality cases involving children adopted overseas by British citizens.” – Chambers & Partners 2025

“Alison Hunter is razor sharp and an expert in international adoption cases.” – Legal 500 2025

“Barry O’Leary and Diana Baxter are phenomenal with immigration/nationality applications following international surrogacy arrangements. They really have their finger on the pulse and are on top of any changes, even if minor, of any changes to the rules. They are far ahead of the competition for surrogacy. Alison Hunter is very knowledgeable and highly regarded for her work in intercountry adoption cases.” – Legal 500 2023

“Alison Hunter – the best immigration lawyer for adoption-related immigration issues, would always recommend her first.” – Legal 500 2023