A Brief Guide to Adoption
Adoption is a process which has to go through the Courts with the involvement of Social Services. One important factor to remember with regard to adoption is that it extinguishes any existing parental responsibility of the natural parents. To that end, any natural mother who wishes the step-father of her children to adopt them has to join in the adoption so that she retains her parental responsibility.

The Process
1. First of all one has to obtain the consent of the natural parent. This would need to be formally provided in writing and if it is not freely given, then one can approach the Court and hearings will take place to ascertain whether or not the natural parents’ consent is "unreasonably withheld". If it is found to be so, then the Court can order the adoption to take place.

2. A report needs to be prepared by Social Services upon the adopting parties dealing with all aspects of their lives and a number of checks can be carried out on them. This is to ensure that they are appropriate individuals to adopt children.

A report will then be prepared by Social Services which would be filed at the Court. If there are any concerns then these matters can be addressed before the Court, and ultimately if the adopting parents are deemed suitable, and the consent of all parties has been achieved, the Court will consent to the adoption.

Adoption matters are normally commenced in the Family Proceedings Court (Magistrates Court). However due to the complexity of some proceedings, they can be transferred up to a higher Court.

 
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