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Adoption in Calabar, Nigeria, is guided by various legal provisions that are part of both state and federal laws. It is a process that grants full parental rights and responsibilities to individuals who wish to adopt a child. Under Nigerian law, the minimum age limit for prospective adoptive parents is 25 years, and the parents must be at least 21 years older than the child. Same-sex couples are not currently allowed to adopt in Nigeria. Adoptive parents must not only be economically capable but also morally upright, not suffering from mental or physical disability.
Engaging an adoption lawyer is vital in navigating the rather complex legal process of adoption in Calabar. You will require a lawyer to draft and compile all the necessary legal documents, counsel you regarding the adoption requirements, and stand with you through every step of the legal process. More complex situations such as inter-country adoptions or situations where birth parents contest the adoption may especially require a layer's expertise.
The Child Right Act of 2003, enacted in Nigeria provides a comprehensive legal instrument on adoption. However, being a federal system, individual states can adopt or modify the law as it suits their socio-cultural realities. Cross River State, where Calabar is located, has a Child Rights Law that includes provisions for adoption. The law mandates that the adoptive parent and the child must reside together in Nigeria for at least three months before the adoption orders are processed. It also forbids trafficking and unlawful removal of children from parental custody.
Any Nigerian citizen or resident, who is at least 25 years old and 21 years older than the child, can adopt. The person also needs to be in good physical and mental health, and free from criminal convictions.
Yes. However, the process is more complex for non-residents. It requires proof of the prospective adoptive parent country's consent and adherence to The Hague Convention.
After the adoption order is issued, the biological parents no longer have any legal rights or responsibilities over the child. All these rights and responsibilities are transferred to the adoptive parents.
Once a child is lawfully adopted, the links to the biological parents are legally cut off. However, when the child attains adulthood, they can search for their biological family if they wish to.
The cost of adoption varies depending on various factors including legal fees, court charges, and administrative charges. It's advisable to consult with your lawyer for a clearer understanding of the costs.
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in the Cross River State is a useful resource for anyone seeking to adopt. It is the governmental department responsible for overseeing the adoption process. Additionally, consulting legal practitioners specializing in family law can also be helpful.
If you are considering adoption, the first step is to contact a skilled and experienced adoption lawyer or a reputable adoption agency. Make sure to gather all necessary documentation to prove your eligibility. It's also essential to understand that adoption processes can take time, requiring patience and determination throughout.
