Thinking about adoption?

There are many caring couples and individuals who wish to adopt, however there is only a small number of children in New Zealand who are adopted every year.  As a result, inter-country adoptions are becoming more common.

Toni and Matt (not their real names) tried for several years, without success, to have a baby.  Eventually they decided to adopt.

Working closely with The Department of Child Youth and Family, the couple found a suitable child to adopt in India.  The three-year-old boy had been abandoned at birth and had been living in an orphanage since that time.  The Department assisted Toni and Matt to meet the adoption requirements of the Indian authorities.

Toni and Matt travelled to India to collect the child.  Upon their arrival home to New Zealand they contacted their family lawyer.  With assistance from their lawyer they made an application to the Family Court for an adoption order.  An interim order was made, with the adoption becoming final in 6 months.

Toni and Matt’s lawyer also drafted new wills appointing a testamentary guardian, ensuring that in the event of their deaths, Toni and Matt’s son would be looked after.

Toni and Matt were very happy that their lawyer was able to assist them in achieving their dreams of having a child and ensuring that the adoption process was a smooth one.

If you ordinarily live in New Zealand and you are considering adoption, you may wish to adopt a child within New Zealand or inter-country. Whichever way you choose, in order to adopt you must be approved as an adoptive parent by the New Zealand Central Authority for Adoption (“NZCA”).  In New Zealand, the NZCA is the department of Child Youth and Family.    The approval process involves Police and medical checks, referee reports, participation in an Education and Preparation Programme, as well as social worker interviews and assessments.

Adopting a child is an emotional and often lengthy process.  Finding a lawyer who has knowledge and experience with adoption can make the process a smooth one.  If you require further information on adoption or any other family law matter, or you would like to arrange an initial consultation, contact us on 04 473 6850.