[2025] EWHC 687 (Fam)

This is an application by DE and JE for the recognition at common law of their adoption in Nigeria of twin girls, TE and TT, now age 11 years. The Nigerian adoption order was made by the Family Court of Edo State on 5 December 2023. The applicants are litigants in person. The children are parties and represented by their Children’s Guardian, Ms Callaghan. The Secretary of State for the Home Department (SSHD) is an intervenor.

The application is supported by Ms Callaghan. The SSHD takes no active position in the proceedings.

I have read the court bundle, heard oral evidence from DE and considered the written and oral submissions from the parties.

I announced my decision at the end of the hearing on 18 March 2025 that I would make the order recognising the Nigerian adoption order in relation to TE and TT. This judgment sets out the reasons for that order.