Adoption is a wonderful journey that brings joy and fulfillment to many families in Singapore. It’s about creating a loving home and providing a stable future for a child. When you adopt, you assume all the rights and responsibilities of a biological parent. This legal process, governed by the Adoption of Children Act (ACA), ensures that the child’s welfare is always the top priority.

 Eligibility Requirements

Thinking about adoption? Here’s what you need to know:

• The child must be under 21 years old and single.
• You, the adopter, must be at least 25 years old.
• There should be a minimum age gap of 21 years and a maximum of 50 years between you and the child.

There are exceptions, too. If you’re adopting a relative or if you’re a married couple looking to adopt a child less than 21 years younger than you, there might be some flexibility.

Steps in the Adoption Process

Adoption in Singapore may seem complex, but breaking it down step-by-step can make it easier:

1. Pre-Adoption Briefing (PAB): Start by attending a mandatory briefing to understand the adoption process and your parenting responsibilities.

2. Identify the Child: Once you’re ready, identify the child you wish to adopt and ensure all necessary consents are in place.

3. Gather Documentation: Collect official documents and prepare a list of adoption-related expenses.

4. Submit Application: File your adoption application with the Family Court, either in-person or through a lawyer.

5. Guardian-In-Adoption (GIA): If all is in order, a Guardian-In-Adoption will be appointed to protect the child’s interests.

6. Investigation: The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will conduct an investigation to ensure everything is proper.

7. Family Court Hearing: Finally, attend a Family Court hearing where a judge will decide if the adoption order will be granted.

Types of Adoption Orders

When it comes to adoption orders, there are three main types:

1. Unconditional Adoption Orders: The most common, fully transferring parental rights to the adoptive parents.

2. Conditional Adoption Orders: These come with specific conditions set by the court, tailored to unique circumstances.

3. Interim Adoption Orders: These act as a probationary period where the court evaluates the suitability of the adoption arrangement before making it permanent.

Adoption of Stepchildren

Adopting a stepchild is a bit different but just as rewarding. If you’re a Singapore citizen, you can apply to waive the Home Study Report (HSR), simplifying the process. However, this waiver doesn’t apply to foreigners. If your stepchild isn’t a Singapore citizen, the adoption follows the same process as adopting a foreign child.

Residency Requirements

For an adoption to proceed under Singapore law, the child must be a resident of Singapore. This means they need to be a Singapore citizen, a permanent resident, or a Dependant’s Pass holder. If the child is here on a visit pass, student pass, or special pass, they won’t qualify.

Costs and Financial Considerations

Adoption isn’t just an emotional investment; it comes with financial considerations too. You’ll encounter costs such as legal fees and administrative expenses. The Adoption of Children Act also strictly prohibits any payment to the child’s birth parents for their consent to the adoption, ensuring everything stays fair and above board.

Common Questions about Adoption in Singapore

How long does the adoption process take?

Typically, the adoption process takes about 4 to 6 months, but this can vary depending on individual circumstances and the complexity of the case.

Can a single person adopt in Singapore?

Absolutely! Single individuals can adopt as long as they meet the eligibility requirements and can provide a loving, stable environment for the child.

Are there restrictions on adopting a child of a different race or ethnicity?

Nope, there are no specific restrictions. The primary focus is always the well-being and best interests of the child.

What if a biological parent doesn’t consent?

If one of the biological parents does not consent, the court will consider the specific circumstances of the case. Sometimes, the court may proceed if it believes it’s in the child’s best interest.

Can I adopt if I already have biological children?

Yes, you can! The court will assess the overall suitability of your family environment, including how well you can integrate an adopted child with your biological children.

Do I need to be married to adopt?

No, you don’t. Single individuals can adopt, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.

What does the Guardian-In-Adoption do?

The Guardian-In-Adoption (GIA) is there to ensure the child’s best interests are protected throughout the adoption process. They might conduct interviews and home visits to gather necessary information.

Are there financial obligations in the adoption process?

Yes, there are costs like legal fees and administrative expenses, but no payments to the birth parents for their consent are allowed.

What rights and responsibilities do adoptive parents have?

Once the adoption is finalized, adoptive parents have all the rights and responsibilities of biological parents. This includes the child’s well-being, upbringing, education, and financial support.

Can I choose the gender of the child?

You can express a preference, but ultimately, the decision is made with the child’s best interests in mind.

How do I prove I’m financially capable of supporting a child?

You may need to provide financial documents such as income statements, bank statements, and employment records.

Why might an adoption application be rejected?

Applications can be rejected for various reasons, such as not meeting eligibility requirements or concerns about the child’s welfare. It’s best to seek legal advice to address potential issues.

Can I adopt a child from overseas?

Yes, but you’ll need to meet additional legal requirements from both Singapore and the child’s home country.

What’s the difference between open and closed adoption?

In an open adoption, there’s ongoing contact with the biological family. In a closed adoption, there’s no contact or communication after the adoption is finalized.

Can same-sex couples adopt in Singapore?

Currently, same-sex couples aren’t legally recognized as adoptive parents in Singapore. However, individual circumstances can vary, so it’s best to seek legal advice.

Can I adopt a child older than 21?

No, the ACA applies only to children under 21 years old.

Are post-adoption support services available?

Yes, there are various services available to support adoptive families after the adoption is finalized.

Can I change the name of the adopted child?

Yes, once the adoption order is granted, you can change the child’s name.

What if the biological parents want custody back?

Once an adoption order is granted, the biological parents generally don’t have automatic rights to regain custody. However, exceptional circumstances may be considered by the court on a case-by-case basis.

Conclusion

Adopting a child is a life-changing decision, and it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements and procedures involved. We are dedicated to guiding you through this process with expertise and clarity. Our team is here to provide the support and advice you need at every stage of your adoption journey. Reach out to us today for a consultation and let us help you make your dream of adoption a reality.