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Adoption in Canberra, Australia is governed by the Adoption Act 1993, and legislated by community services directorate. The legislation ensures the safety and best interest of the child, and outlines the responsibilities of adoptive parents. Family Court has jurisdiction over adoption matters, including domestic, international, step-parent, and adult adoptions. While adoption is a rewarding way to grow your family, it is a complex legal process that requires careful understanding and consideration.
Engaging with a lawyer while considering adoption can help navigate the legal process efficiently. The lawyer can explain the various forms of adoptions, eligibility criteria, associated legal rights, responsibilities, and implications. Legal assistance can prove invaluable when dealing with birth parents or adoption agencies, in preparing necessary documentation, representing in court, and resolving any legal issues that might arise throughout the process.
In Canberra, individuals and couples (irrespective of their sexual orientation) can legally adopt if they are over the age of 18. However, the adoption process varies depending on whether it's domestic, intercountry, or within family adoption. In hometown adoptions, the child is placed with prospective parents before legal proceedings begin. The applicant must be a resident of Canberra and the child must be at least five months old. For intercountry adoption, the laws of the child's country of birth also apply. Information regarding the child's background and health is primarily provided by the child's country.
Individuals or couples who are Australian citizens, reside in Canberra, and are above the age of 18. It is essential for at least one parent to be an Australian citizen in case of intercountry adoption.
Adoption in Australia is generally low-cost, although there might be some nominal fees involved in the process. However, for intercountry adoption, the costs could be significant and include travel, legal and other agency fees.
The adoption process in Canberra can take around two years, although it may vary depending on individual circumstances. The process for intercountry adoption can be longer because it also depends on the procedures in the child's country of origin.
Reducing the trauma to both the child and the applicants is always a priority and therefore the decision of a birth parent is respected. However, once the adoption order is granted by the court, the decision is final and cannot be reversed.
Once the adoption order is made, the adoptive parents gains full parental rights and responsibilities for the child. The child also gains the right to inheritance from their adoptive parents. The birth parents' parental rights are ended at this stage. In some cases, post-adoption support services and contact with birth family may be discussed and stipulated.
The ACT Community Services Directorate offers services and supports to adopting families in Canberra. The Australian Government's Intercountry Adoption Australia service can assist with international adoptions. Additionally, support groups and organisations such as Adopt Change and the Post Adoption Resource Centre can also provide valuable support and information to potential adoptive families.
If you need legal assistance in adoption, you should contact a legal professional with expertise in family law and particularly, adoption. Prior to this, it would be beneficial to gather as much information as possible about different types of adoptions, your rights, obligations, and the adoption process in Canberra, Australia.
