FAQ's

Can I adopt someone related to me?

While it is legally possible to take on a guardianship role of a child related to you, this actually falls outside of the scope of 'adoption' as defined by the the law in Australia. So unfortunately this is not something that we can assist with. In these instances we suggest prospective guardians contact a family lawyer who will be able to walk you through the process and provide further guidance on this.

I already have my own biological child, can I still adopt another child?

Yes this is certainly possible, with a few exceptions. The first one is that you cannot be presently undergoing any IVF or other fertility procedures, and the second is that you cannot have more than four children already. If either of these instances apply, your adoption application will likely be rejected.

I am in a relationship - does my relationship status affect my chances of adoption?

In all cases, the well-being of the child is considered of paramount importance. When your adoption application is carefully assessed and considered, special attention will be paid to the nature of the relationship, the length of it, as well as both partners in the relationship. Obviously the relationship does need to be very stable, and both partners must be committed to caring for an adopted child.

I am single, does this affect my chances of adoption?

In several states single people are not permitted to adopt. This requirement was put in place as a means of maximising the child's well-being, although its merits are of course up to debate. As part of our service we are able to explain all of the options to you and assess whether there are any other opportunities available for a single prospective adoptive parent. In many instances however, the only viable option is for a single person to couple up.

Do I need to be wealthy?

You need to be able to demonstrate sufficient financial stability to be able to care for a child. As with all the other criteria, the well-being of the child is considered most important. So while it isn't necessary to be wealthy, you do need to be able to prove that you will be able to care and provide for the child throughout his or her formative years.

Is there a maximum age for applicants?

In practice, adoptions will not proceed unless the female applicant is younger than 50 years.

I may be infertile, how does this affect my adoption options?

In some cases this will actually improve your adoption prospects. Several states have provisions in place whereby couples must be infertile, or be unable to conceive naturally before they are considered for adopting children. As part of our service we provide additional detail on how infertility is determined, and how all this is presented to the authorities on the adoption application. It is important to realise though, that adoption applications will be rejected if the prospective adoptive parents are currently undergoing IVF treatment. So by all means, if you wish to undertake this treatment do so, but realise that the adoption cannot become a live option unless the IVF treatment is concluded unsuccessfully.

Can I adopt a newborn baby?

This is a common question, however because of the period of time it can take to go through the application process, even if the child is a newborn baby when the process begins, by the time it is concluded they will be somewhat older and no longer considered a baby, but rather a toddler or a young child.

I have undertaken fertility procedures does this make me ineligible?

On the contrary. If the fertility procedures were unsuccessful, in some states this is the evidence required to be able to further your adoption application. The main requirement is that the fertility procedures need to be completed before the adoption application should be filed.

I have been unable to carry a baby to full term, how does this affect a potential adoption?

In some states priority for adoptions is given to people who are unable to conceive or complete a pregnancy to full term.