Legally hw to adopt a child frm my sister cousin

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.

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.

Yes, you can adopt her/him by making an adoption deed and guardianship certificate from the court. I can assist you in detail.

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.

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. 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:

Best regards,
Atty. Jofre B. Recososa
Recososa Law Firm