The decision to adopt a child can be one of the most wonderful and rewarding experiences for any potential parents. However, before deciding to proceed with this life-altering decision, it is important to be aware of the rules, regulations, and criteria that must be met before doing so.
Who can adopt a child in Ireland?
In order to adopt a child that is already living in Ireland, there are certain criteria that must be met by the prospective parent/parents. You must be at least 21 years of age and resident in Ireland.
However, if you are adopting as part of a couple and one of you is the child’s mother, father, or relative, only one of you must be 21.
Assuming you and your partner meet the above criteria, you may adopt a child if you are:
- A married couple
- A couple living together in a domestic partnership
- A cohabiting couple who have been living together for at least 3 years
- A mother, father, or relative of the child
If you are a sole applicant who wishes to adopt a child on their own, you will only be permitted to do so following a satisfactory assessment by the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI).
What are the steps involved in adopting a child?
The process of adopting a child can be a rigorous one, with a number of steps that you must follow accordingly.
First, you will apply to your local adoption office, who will provide you with the information about how to submit your application for assessment. Once you and/or your partner have undergone a detailed assessment by a Tusla social worker, the assessment report will go before the local adoption committee who will then make their recommendation to the AAI.
Once the assessment, report, and recommendations have all been received and considered by the Adoption Authority, and assuming that all documentation is satisfactory, you will be granted a ‘Declaration to Adopt’, giving you the necessary permissions to adopt a child who is considered suitable for you based on the report.
The best interests of the child will then be taken into consideration, including the child’s age, maturity, their view on the proposed adoption, and/or any circumstances affecting the child’s physical, mental, or emotional well being.
An adoption order will then be made by the AAI, confirming that the child is now legally a member of their adoptive family. Both you and the child will attend an adoption hearing before the board of the AAI, where you will be provided with a adoption certificate that in essence replaces the child’s original birth certificate.
Should I contact a solicitor?
It is strongly recommended that you seek the services of an experienced family law solicitor prior to undergoing the process of adopting a child. As you can see from the information outlined above, adopting a child is no easy feat that involves numerous steps and procedures.
By contacting a solicitor, you will be provided with a comprehensive assessment of your situation and a full evaluation of your best options when deciding to move forward with the decision to adopt.
*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.*
