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Adoption
When you have made the decision to adopt a child, you want the process to be swift and free of complications. We will be able to explain the process and assist you through the requirements of the relevant accredited adoption services in your state.
Adoption is when an adult is granted the legal and other responsibilities for a child, creating a permanent parent-child relationship and prescribing parental responsibility for the child. There are different legal processes to navigate depending on the situation in which adoption is occurring, and which state of Australia you reside in.
We are here to help you navigate through the adoption process with sensitivity and efficiency.
Need to speak to a family lawyer about an adoption matter? call us today
Some common questions about adoption:
What is adoption?
Adoption is the legal process by which all of the legal rights and obligations of a child are transferred to his or her adoptive parents, with the child joining the family as a recognised family member. The adoptive parents assume all parental responsibility for the child, while the birth parents cease to have any parental rights over the child. Adoption removes the legal relationship between the child and the birth parents.
How do you apply for adoption?
Adoption arrangements differ depending on the state in which you reside.
The adoption process in New South Wales
Recent changes to the Adoption Act have meant that the adoption process is administered through Community Services in NSW. The process is now more streamlined and fairer for couples, and importantly, the rights of the child are better protected.
Family and Community Services is the government agency responsible for providing adoption services for NSW. The agency works with birth parents who are considering adoption for their child and with families who wish to adopt.
There are set adoption procedures and requirements to follow in applying to adopt a child, including filling out an Expression of Interest form, attending a preparation for adoption seminar, and filing a formal application for adoption. You can find out more about the adoption process for adoptive applicants, including the costs and the criteria for prospective adoptive parents, at the Family and Community Services website.