Adoption of Children:

Adopting a new born baby is the most common form of adoption. In order to adopt a new born baby, you will need to attend the Community Services Department. The Department will make an assessment. If you are approved, you will go onto the waiting list and when a child is available, you will be notified. This is the beginning of the adoption process. Single people can also adopt. If your application is rejected however, an appeal may be made to the Supreme Court.

Under section 8 of the Adoption Act, when making an assessment of an adoption application, the interests of the child will always be paramount. This means that the interests of the child must come first when considering whether the adoption should take place. Under section 11, the Act provides that it is a criminal offence to arrange an unauthorised adoption. It is best to seek the expertise of an experienced Adoption Lawyer. Contact our office to book a first consultation with one of our Adoption Lawyers.

Under section 87(c) of the Act, a step-parent has standing to make an application for adoption of their step-child. This means that you can go directly to the Supreme Court and make an application. Unlike the adoption of a new born baby, additional steps need to be taken where a step-parent intends to adopt their step-child. There have been suspicions as to the need for a step-parent to adopt their step-child where the step-child’s interests are already being taken care of, especially where both natural parents are still alive. It can also be very drastic for the child as the adoption will essentially mean that the tie with the natural parent or parents is terminated. Consult one of our Family Lawyers or Adoption Lawyers today to understand the full legal implications of such an adoption for all parties involved.