Madonna and Guy Ritchie have reportedly passed the “home-study” part of their adoption of son David and are set to get permanent custody of the boy five months earlier than expected.

An official from the Malawian government visited the couple at their London home last month and is thought to have questionned them about their lifestyles and backgrounds, as well as observing the household in action.

Madonna and Guy adopted David, now two, from the country a year ago and were granted a temporary custody order for 18 months to assess the suitability of family before a permanent custody arrangement would be considered.

The adoption was expected to be completed next April but now according to the Sun, Madonna will fly out to Malawi next month for the final review in front of the country’s high court.

Children and human rights campaigners, who have challenged the adoption from the outset, are said to be further angered by the news that the completion date has been brought forward, reducing the time for visits and assessments. Spokesperson Justin Dzonzi told the newspaper: “If this is true it would appear the rules have been bent.”

Madonna is currently in Los Angeles with David and her two older children, Lourdes and Rocco.