Linda Ong, Partner
Adoption
As part of our family and matrimonial practice, we also assist our clients in obtaining the necessary adoption orders for their children.
Adoption Order
Only a court can make an adoption order. The effect of the adoption order is that the birth parents no longer have any parental rights and responsibilities for their child. Those rights and responsibilities are given to the adoptive parents.
Once the court has made an adoption order the child becomes a full member of the adoptive family. They take the surname of their adoptive parents and have the same rights and privileges as if they had been born to them. This includes the right of inheritance.
- Our Expertise
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Linda Ong, Partner
Adoption
As part of our family and matrimonial practice, we also assist our clients in obtaining the necessary adoption orders for their children.
Adoption Order
Only a court can make an adoption order. The effect of the adoption order is that the birth parents no longer have any parental rights and responsibilities for their child. Those rights and responsibilities are given to the adoptive parents.
Once the court has made an adoption order the child becomes a full member of the adoptive family. They take the surname of their adoptive parents and have the same rights and privileges as if they had been born to them. This includes the right of inheritance.
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Before the court can make an adoption order, the court has to be satisfied of all of the following:
- the child was under the age of 18 when the adoption application was made
- the child is not – or has never been – married or in a civil partnership
- both birth parents have given their consent to the adoption
In some cases, it is not necessary to get consent from the birth parent or guardian. This happens when:
- the birth parent or guardian cannot be found or is incapable of giving consent
- the child’s welfare would be at risk if the adoption order was delayed