Adoption

Other Adoption

---

De Facto Adoption

If you have cared for and financially supported a child for two continuous years, you may apply to court for an order of adoption. Although birth parents are not required to consent, they must be notified. A Notice of Application must also be served to an agency you choose so that the agency can prepare a report to the court. A lawyer usually applies to court and submits the required documents.

Extended Family Adoption

As a birth parent, you may place a child with a member of your extended family. After the child has been in the care of the extended family for between six months and one year, an application may be made to court for an Order of Adoption. A Notice of Application must also be served to an agency you choose so that the agency can prepare a report to the court. A lawyer usually applies to court and submits the required documents.

Adoption by Spouse or Common-law Partner of Child's Parent

If you are married to or living permanently with a parent of a child, you may apply to court for an Order of Adoption. The other parent of the child must be notified of the application to court and may even be required to consent to the adoption. In the majority of these types of adoptions an agency is not involved, but if the court orders a report, then an agency will complete one. A lawyer usually applies to court and submits the required documents.

Adult Adoption

You can apply to court to adopt an adult if you are older by a reasonable number of years and the reason for adoption is acceptable to the court. You need to have cared for and supported the person for a reasonable time before he or she turned 18 years old. A lawyer usually applies to court and submits the required documents.

The person being adopted must consent to the adoption.

For more information...

If you would like more information on adoption, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact the adoption department of a Child and Family Services agency or a licensed adoption agency. A worker will explain adoption to you in detail, and answer any specific questions you may have.