Best Adoption Lawyers in Santiago

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NARAG LAW OFFICE

NARAG LAW OFFICE

Santiago, Philippines

Founded in 2015
12 people in their team
You've Come To The Right PlaceOur Managing Attorney, Atty. Narag (a CPA), started this firm in January 2015 after working in the corporate world for...
English

About Adoption Law in Santiago, Philippines

The process of adopting a child in Santiago, Philippines is governed by the country's national law, specifically the Republic Act 9523. It states that adoption is all about providing a caring and nurturing family environment to an orphaned, abandoned, or neglected child. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) implements these laws and upholds strict compliance with the process to ensure the child's utmost security and welfare.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Adoption in Santiago is a legal procedure that involves various steps and paperwork - from pre-adoption counselling to court proceedings for the issuance of an adoption decree. Some situations where you may need legal counsel include dealing with the complex adoption laws, complying with procedural requirements, understanding legal implications of adoption, and representing you in court proceedings. A lawyer will ensure the smooth process of adoption and prevent any legal issues that might arise.

Local Laws Overview

Under the Republic Act 9523, prospective adoptive parents in Santiago must undergo a series of processes such as applications, home-studies, seminars, waiting period, matching process, placement period, pre-adoption trial custody, and finally, a legal adoption process in court. The law also requires that adoptive parents must be of legal age, at least 16 years older than the adoptee, in possession of good moral character, and have the capacity to care and support for their adoptive child.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can adopt a child in Santiago, Philippines?

Any Filipino citizen or alien, who is of legal age, full civil capacity and legal rights, of good moral character, has not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude, and is financially capable can adopt a child in Santiago.

2. How long does the adoption process take?

The adoption process can take from one to several years, depending on case-to-case basis. It includes series of counselling, paperwork, and court proceedings.

3. Can a single person adopt a child?

Yes, a single person is allowed to adopt a child provided that he/she satisfies all other legal requirements.

4. What is adoptive home study?

Adoptive home study is an evaluation of the adoptive parents' home environment to assess its suitability for the child's living conditions.

5. What rights do adopted children have?

Adopted children are vested with the same rights and privileges as legitimate children. They are entitled to love, care, protection, and support from their adoptive families.

6. Can the biological parents reclaim the adopted child?

No, once the adoption decree is issued by the court, the biological parents lose all their parental rights and responsibilities over the child.

7. Can adoptive parents choose the child they want to adopt?

The DSWD is responsible for matching process and it prioritizes the best interest of the child over the preferences of the adoptive parents.

8. How confidential is the adoption process?

Adoption records are kept confidential and only parties directly involved in the adoption may access them.

9. Can an adopted child be returned to the DSWD if the adoptive parents can no longer support him/her?

Adoption is meant to provide a permanent home to the child. In case of problems, the DSWD provides post-adoption services to help adoptive families.

10. Can foreign nationals adopt a Filipino child?

Yes, foreign nationals can adopt a Filipino child provided they meet all the legal requirements and comply with the intercountry adoption procedures.

Additional Resources

Individuals interested in adoption can contact the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for further guidance and assistance. Moreover, various non-government organizations like Kaisahang Buhay Foundation offer pre-adoption counselling and post adoption services that can be helpful.

Next Steps

If you're considering adoption, it would be beneficial to consult with a lawyer first to understand the entire process, requirements, and your rights and responsibilities as potential adoptive parents. A lawyer can guide through each stage of the process and make sure that all legal protocols are appropriately observed, thereby ensuring a safe and legal adoption process.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of the content. Laws and regulations can change frequently, and interpretations of the law can vary. Therefore, you should consult with qualified legal professionals for specific advice tailored to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content on this page. If you find any information to be incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will make efforts to rectify it.