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UK Specific Legal Processes

DISCLAMER

We are not lawyers, solicitors, immigration advisers, or registered professionals of any kind. This page describes the steps we personally took when obtaining the CoE, Parental Order, and British passport for our own children — it is a personal diary of our experience only, not guidance, advice, or instruction. The CoE is a UK Visas & Immigration process; for this you should consult an OISC-registered immigration adviser or a qualified UK solicitor. Requirements change frequently and our experience may not reflect current rules. You must not rely on anything on this page as a substitute for professional advice tailored to your own circumstances. We accept no responsibility for any loss, delay, or adverse outcome arising from decisions made using any information on this site.

Step 1

Certificate of Entitlement (Right to Abode)

Black-and-white drawing of a person with glasses and short hair, smiling, with a star and moon in the background.

CoE (Certificate of Entitlement) also known as Right to Abode. This enables for fast return to the UK. Standard timeline is 3 weeks from application. The CoE is issued into the baby’s Colombian passport so some of the Colombian Legal Processes are pre-requisite prior to proceeding with this step. The CoE is possible in Colombia because the baby is issued with a Colombian passport on birth.

How to - CoE Process

Step 2

UK Parental Order

A coat of arms featuring two lions wearing crowns, a crowned lion on top of a shield, and a banner with the motto "Dieu et mon droit".

Parental Order - required by UK legal system for all cases of international surrogacy regardless of circumstances. The process usually takes place after returning to the UK and timeframes vary and typically take 8-12 months. This process is formal, requiring submission of a documentation pack, inspection by UK Cafcas, and finally a hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

How to - PO Process

Step 3

British Passport

The cover of a British passport with the United Kingdom coat of arms.

British Passport - Application can be done before PO if required for instance if you wish to travel with your newborn overseas on a British passport after returning to Colombia. Application is typically made after PO has been granted.

How to - British Passport Process

Do you have specific questions about the UK-Specific Legal Process?

If you just have questions, or wish to chat please get in touch.

For actual legal advice, please consult a specialist surrogacy solicitor.

Want to hear how we navigated the UK legal steps after our children were born?

We're happy to share our personal experience informally — get in touch for a free chat.