Legally hw to adopt a child frm my sister cousin

In Pakistan
Last Updated: Jul 31, 2025

I'm living abroad, and I want to adopt a child from my sister's cousin. What will be the legal procedure? Would I be able to take a child with me legally? Will I get his or her visa by submitting what documents, and how much will it cost me? And how long will the whole procedure take?

Lawyer Answers

Sharif Law Associates

Sharif Law Associates

Jul 31, 2025
Best Answer

Feel free to contact our law firm to discuss in details 

 

Sharif Law Associates 

+923392000666

Asma Lawyers In Pakistan

Asma Lawyers In Pakistan

Jul 31, 2025

Yes,, we are able to assist you.  Please call me on 03006622189 to discuss. 

Ms Asma Tanveer Randhawa Advocate 

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Asma Lawyers In Pakistan

Asma Lawyers In Pakistan

Jul 31, 2025

Please send me one minute voice message stating your legal issue on whatsapp at 03006622189. 

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Rana Ijaz & Associates

Rana Ijaz & Associates

Jul 31, 2025

In Pakistan, the legal framework for adoption is based on guardianship under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, as adoption in the Western sense is not formally recognized under Pakistani law. Here's a brief overview of the procedure and requirements:

1. Legal Guardianship Process in Pakistan

To adopt (i.e., become a legal guardian of) a child, you must:

File a guardianship petition in the Guardian Court having jurisdiction where the child resides.

Provide consent from the biological parents or current legal guardians (in this case, your sister’s cousin).

Undergo a background check and home study (especially if intending to relocate the child abroad).

Once approved, the court will issue a Guardianship Certificate, granting you legal guardianship of the child.

2. Relocation of the Child Abroad

After obtaining guardianship, you may initiate the process of taking the child abroad. This involves:

Applying for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau or Ministry of Interior, depending on the province.

Applying for a passport and visa for the child in your country of residence.

Submitting legal documentation including:

Guardianship Certificate

Consent from biological parents

Birth certificate of the child

Your proof of residence and legal status abroad

Affidavit confirming the child's well-being and non-exploitation

3. Visa and Immigration Requirements

Each country has its own immigration policies. If you are living in a country like the US, UK, Canada, or an EU member state, the immigration authorities will typically require:

A legal guardianship order

Proof of custody and parental responsibility

Proof of financial ability and accommodation

In some cases, you may also need to complete a separate adoption or sponsorship process under the laws of that country

We recommend contacting your local consulate or immigration lawyer in your country of residence for precise requirements.

4. Cost and Timeline

Legal Fees (Pakistan): Approx. USD 1,500 to USD 2,000 depending on complexity

Court & Documentation Fees: Minor

Timeframe: Guardianship proceedings typically take 3–6 months; immigration/visa process may take additional 3–9 months, depending on the destination country.

If you would like us to assist you in this process—including filing the guardianship petition, preparing the required affidavits, and liaising with relevant authorities—we would be happy to provide a formal proposal and timeline.

Rana M. Ahmad
+923018444472
r.ahmad@ranaijazlaw.com

Pak-Lawyer Associates

Pak-Lawyer Associates

Jul 31, 2025

he procedure is simple and involves the following steps:

Preparation of an Adoption Deed

Filing of a Guardianship Petition before the Guardian Judge

Issuance of Guardianship Certificate – Usually granted within 30 days from the date of filing

Permission to Travel Abroad – Requires a separate application before the same court and is generally granted within 10 to 15 days

This permission is essential for the issuance of the minor’s passport and visa.

For further details or legal assistance, feel free to contact us at 0321-4610092.

M BILAL ADVOCATES, CORPORATE & TAX CONSULTANTS

M BILAL ADVOCATES, CORPORATE & TAX CONSULTANTS

Jul 31, 2025

Yes, you can adopt her/him by making an adoption deed and guardianship certificate from the court.
I can assist you in detail.
for further details you can whatsapp me on +923125178557.

Islaw - Expert Lawyers

Islaw - Expert Lawyers

Aug 1, 2025

Of course you can adopt the child legally and move on… 

following is the detail of our law firm you may contact for the details discussion.

email us on : info@islaw.com.pk

contact no. 00923219289992

website: islaw.com.pk

 

 

Hoot innovation law hub

Hoot innovation law hub

Aug 2, 2025

Can i know where are from and where do you work in order to assist you correctly ? 

Hoot innovation law hub

Hoot innovation law hub

Aug 2, 2025

Can i know where are from and where do you work in order to assist you correctly ? 

Recososa Law Firm

Recososa Law Firm

Aug 26, 2025

Hello: We understand your concern about adopting your sister’s cousin’s child while you are living abroad. Allow me to provide you with a clear picture of the legal process presuming this is under Philippine jurisdiction.

First, adoption in the Philippines is governed primarily by Republic Act No. 8552, otherwise known as the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998, as amended, and by Republic Act No. 8043, also known as the Inter-Country Adoption Act of 1995, for cases where the prospective adoptive parent is residing abroad.

a.) If you intend to adopt the child in the Philippines, you must file a petition for adoption before the Family Court. The requirements include your capacity to adopt, proof of financial capability, moral character, and a home study report. Since the child is a relative within the fourth civil degree, the law considers it a relative adoption, which is generally faster and less strict compared to non-relative adoptions.

b.) If your intention is to bring the child abroad, then inter-country adoption procedures must be observed. This will require coordination with the Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB), which is the central authority in the Philippines. The adoption must first be finalized locally or through ICAB before the child can legally leave the country. Once granted, the child will be issued the necessary clearances and travel documents.

c.) As to visa matters, after the adoption is finalized and the Certificate of Finality of the adoption decree is issued, you can apply for the child’s passport and secure the appropriate visa from the embassy or consulate of the country where you are residing. The visa requirements will depend on your host country’s immigration laws, but the adoption decree, amended birth certificate, and clearances from ICAB will form the core documents.

d.) On the timeline, domestic adoption may take about 6 months to more than a year depending on the court docket and completeness of requirements. Inter-country adoption may extend further due to coordination with both Philippine and foreign authorities.

e.) On the cost, it will vary depending on whether you pursue domestic or inter-country adoption. This covers filing fees, clearances, home study, and professional fees. We can give you a detailed cost estimate once we assess the specifics of your case.

Adoption is a beautiful legal and personal step, but it requires strict compliance with Philippine and international laws to ensure the child’s welfare and that you can take him or her abroad without future problems.

I am Atty. Jofre B. Recososa, the owner of Recososa Law Firm, with offices in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. We can schedule an initial consultation via Google Meet or Zoom, or you may also visit one of our offices for a physical consultation. You may send us an email at recososalawfirm@gmail.com and indicate that you are a client from Lawzana. Alternatively, you may also call or text us at +639175046510. Our website is www.recososalaw.com

If these answers your question to your satisfaction, I hope it is not too much to ask that you like and share our Facebook page and leave us a rating on our Google page. This will surely inspire us to do more of this here:

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Best regards,

Atty. Jofre B. Recososa

Recososa Law Firm

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