Canadian government follows strict rules for child adoption. If you’re new to adopting a child, then getting a lawyer’s help can save you from the hassle. A lawyer is experienced enough to assist you in the entire process. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Can Anyone Adopt a Child?
If you’re living in Canada and are at least 18 years of age, you can adopt a child. You don’t have to be married to adopt a child in Ontario, but if you are, your spouse needs to agree in writing for adoption.
If the child is under the age of majority, then they can be adopted by unmarried/married individuals or step-parents. Any other person can also adopt the child if the court agrees.
What Is The Process of Child Adoption?
Natural parents have to give written permission for their child’s adoption. In case someone else provides financial support to the child, then they are also obliged to offer written permission for the child’s adoption.
The child’s parents have to register the child’s birth within 30-days so that the child can get a passport and a birth certificate. Natural parents can only give written permission when the child is 7-days-old.
After this, the parents will have 21-days to cancel the permission and change their minds. The child is returned to the natural parents if parents decide to cancel the permission; otherwise, once the child is placed with an adoptive family in 21-days, parents lose the right to change their minds and cancel permission.
Often, the court decides if there’s permission needed by the parents or not for adoption. The cases include situations such as the unknown identity of the natural father, child abuse, child negligence, or others.
Child Adoption in Canada
There are normally three ways in which you can adopt a child.
Public Adoption
In public adoption, you have to apply for child adoption at Children’s Aid Society and follow the whole process. The person goes through a screening process. If the social worker approves the screening, the parents are set up with a child. The social worker helps you apply for child adoption in court and guides you throughout the process. It’s done free of cost.
Private Adoption
Private adoption requires hiring a licensed private agency to adopt a child. The process is similar to the Children’s Aid Society; however, you must get in touch with a private adoption practitioner approved by the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services. The whole process can cost you up to $25,000.
International Adoption
For international adoptions, parents need to follow two separate processes. First, they need to complete the adoption process and then immigration.
International adoption can be tricky; therefore, it’s recommended to hire a Canadian immigration lawyer to handle all the tedious tasks. We have a team of experts who have helped hundreds of clients complete their international adoptions with no issues with the immigration process.
We’re the Canadian visa experts. Get in touch with us or fix an appointment today for details.
Disclaimer: This article is only intended for educational purposes and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for legal advice
