Man fails to gain Scottish government support in bid to allow adoption of adults

Nathan Sparling, 27, called on MSPs to enact changes to allow him to be adopted by his stepfather, Brian, something which cannot currently be done under Scots law.

Mr Sparling did not know his biological father and has changed his surname to his stepfather’s.

The Scottish government said it would review adoption rules but has since confirmed it has no plans to extend the age limit for adoption beyond 18.

Mr Sparling said the response was “disappointing”.

He said: “We need them to want to change the law.

“Stepchildren want that symbol of belonging to their family to be legally recognised.”

Childcare minister Maree Todd said in the Scottish Parliament that there was existing legislation “to allow for individuals to change their names on birth certificates and for adults to make provision in wills for the sharing of property to nonbiological members of their family”.