How to Get a Parental Order in the UK after Surrogacy : Home Office Approved Legal DNA Testing from Greenplace Healthcare in London and International
- Cryo Medical Logistics
- Jun 15, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 13, 2025
🍼 What Is a Parental Order in the UK?
A Parental Order is a legal document issued by a Family Court in England or Wales, transferring parental rights from a surrogate to the intended parents. Without a Parental Order, the intended parents are not recognised as the legal parents — even if one or both are genetically related to the child.
This legal step is crucial because it:
Gives you full legal parental responsibility
Allows your name(s) to be recorded on the child’s birth certificate
Grants your child the legal right to inherit, reside, and gain nationality
Ensures recognition of your parenthood in all legal and social contexts
👨👩👧 Who Needs a Parental Order?
Anyone who has a child via surrogacy — whether through a UK-based or international arrangement — will typically need a Parental Order. One of the intended parents must be genetically related to the child, and the application must be made within 6 months of birth.
🧬 Why Is a Legal DNA Test Required?
To confirm the genetic link between the intended parent(s) and the child, Family Courts and CAFCASS often require a legal DNA test. This is particularly important when:
The surrogacy took place overseas
The surrogate mother is listed on the initial birth certificate
Citizenship or immigration matters are involved
What Makes a DNA Test "Legal"?
A legal DNA test must:
Be performed by a UKAS ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory
Follow a strict chain of custody process
Be approved by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and Home Office
Include identity verification at the time of sample collection
🔬 DNA Testing by Greenplace Healthcare
At Greenplace Healthcare, we offer fully court-admissible DNA testing to support Parental Order applications, trusted by family law solicitors, local authorities, and surrogacy clinics.
Why Choose Us?
CQC-registered diagnostics and screening clinic in London
Mobile sample collection across the UK
ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system
Partner laboratory is UKAS 17025 and ISO 9001 accredited
Fast turnaround — results within 2–4 working days
❄️ Cryo Medical Logistics: Full Surrogacy Transport & Testing Support
As part of Greenplace Healthcare, Cryo Medical Logistics is proud to offer a comprehensive surrogacy support package designed for intended parents.
Our Services Include:
Cryogenic transport of sperm, eggs, and embryos (domestic & international)
Full tracking and compliance with medical logistics standards
Coordination with fertility clinics and embryologists
Seamless integration with legal DNA testing for Parental Order applications
This one-stop solution ensures that every biological and legal step is covered — helping you move smoothly from conception to full parental recognition.
👩⚖️ CAFCASS & The Role of the Court
After submitting your Parental Order (Form C51), a CAFCASS officer will be assigned to:
Carry out a safeguarding assessment
Interview both intended parents and the surrogate
Provide a report and recommendation to the court
Having a legally valid DNA test in your application ensures:
Faster processing
Clear evidence of biological relation
Compliance with all family court requirements
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
✅ How do I apply for a Parental Order in the UK?
Submit Form C51 to your local Family Court within 6 months of the child’s birth. At least one parent must be biologically related to the child.
✅ Why is a DNA test needed for a Parental Order?
To prove the biological link between the intended parent and child — especially in international or disputed cases.
✅ What makes a DNA test legally admissible?
It must be conducted by a UKAS 17025-accredited lab, follow chain of custody, and be MoJ-approved.
✅ Can I do a home DNA test for court?
No. Only legal DNA tests with certified collection and lab processing are accepted by courts and CAFCASS.
✅ How long does a legal DNA test take?
We return results within 3–5 working days, with urgent appointments available across the UK.
✅ Do you offer mobile DNA testing?
Yes. Greenplace Healthcare provides mobile testing teams nationwide, ideal for families, clinics, and legal professionals.
📞 Ready to Start the Parental Order Process?
With our exclusive surrogacy support service, court-admissible DNA testing, and nationwide coverage, we’re here to support you from the first step to the final signature.
Book now or contact our legal support team to learn more.
📧 [info@greenplacehealthcare.co.uk📞 [+442081500059]🌐 [www.greenplacehealthcare.co.uk]
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