Understanding Adoption
Adoption is a complex process that requires the expertise of family law services. It is the process where an individual or couple legally assumes the permanent legal role of parents to a child under eighteen, taking over the parental rights of the child’s biological parents.
Adult adoption is also an option for those looking to formalise a parent-child relationship when the “child” is over eighteen years old.
There are three primary types of adoption in Australia:
- Child Adoptions: Where a child is adopted by a relative, stepparent, or carer.
- Local Adoptions: Where the adoptive parent has no prior relationship with the child.
- Intercountry Adoptions: Where a child from another country is adopted into an Australian family.
At Family Focus Legal, our family law services are here to guide you through child adoptions and adult adoptions. All other adoptions in Australia are managed by state and territory government agencies, as well as approved adoption agencies.
The result of an adoption is that the adopted child becomes a full and equal member of the adoptive family. They assume all the rights and responsibilities of a biological child, including inheritance rights. Biological parents can also relinquish their legal rights over the child. In cases of stepparent adoption, the biological parent can retain their legal relationship with the child.
Adoption in Australia is a complex legal process. If you are considering adoption, we strongly recommend contacting our team of family lawyers for assistance. Call us on 02 4655 4224 or email us at info@familyfocuslegal.com.au to discuss how we can support you through this important journey.