Adoption in British Columbia is governed by the Adoption Act and it requires that you file an application in the BC Supreme Court.
One of the key elements considered in determining adoption matters is the best interests of the children. You may adopt if you are 19 years of age or older and have been residing in BC for at least six months.
Types of Adoptions in BC
- Government Place which refers to placement of a child by the Ministry of Children and Family Development
- Agency Placement refers to placement of a child in Canada or outside of Canada by an adoption agency licensed by the Ministry.
- Direct Placement refers to placement of a child by the child’s natural parents with a non-family member adoptive parent(s)
- Relative or Step-parent Adoption refers to the adoption process where the child is adopted by the relative
- Adult Adoption refers to adoption of a child when he or she turns 19 years of age and whom you have supported before the age of 19
- Embryo Adoption refers to adoption of fertilized embryos donated by biological parents
Family Law Agreements
Family law agreements are a cost-effective alternative to the litigation route to resolve family law disputes. The parties have the liberty to craft unique solutions for their particular circumstances and needs.
News and Resources
Minors Travelling Outside Canada With Only One Parent
Any child travelling outside Canada with only one parent should carry a consent letter. This is true even if it is only for a day trip, and even if the child will only be unaccompanied by both parents for part of the trip. If you travel across the border with a minor and don’t have…
Continue Reading Minors Travelling Outside Canada With Only One Parent
Does Spousal Support Continue when the Recipient is in a New Relationship?
After separation, one spouse may be obligated to pay spousal support to the other. This is especially common in long term relationships where one spouse was the primary financial earner. What happens, however, when the recipient enters a new relationship?
Continue Reading Does Spousal Support Continue when the Recipient is in a New Relationship?
Ask a Child Custody Lawyer: Can I Get Full Custody?
Family Law favours the involvement of both parents when raising children post-separation. But there are situations where shared parenting is not workable an it is possible for one parent to get full custody.
Continue Reading Ask a Child Custody Lawyer: Can I Get Full Custody?
Are You Entitled to Retroactive Spousal Support?
You may be wondering if you have a claim for “back-dated” or retroactive spousal support. Here is what you need to know about unfulfilled spousal support obligations.
Continue Reading Are You Entitled to Retroactive Spousal Support?