Regardless of the reason, adoption is one of the most fulfilling decisions a person or a couple can make. Whether it is the wish to provide a child a loving home, as an attempt to grow a family or due to a particular and unusual family circumstance, adoption is an act that is performed out of love. Adoption in Singapore is a legally controlled process that needs to be fulfilled with a number of statutory requirements, court processes, and administrative procedures.
An adoption Lawyer is crucial at this stage. Our firm offers tailored legal services for individuals and couples wishing to adopt in Singapore. At Amarjit Sidhu Law, with family law at the heart of our business for decades, we ensure that adoption cases are handled compassionately with profound legal care at every turn.
What is Adoption in Singapore?
‘The Adoption of Children Act (ACA)’. The act adopts an interdisciplinary approach to advocacy concerning the welfare of a child by ensuring explicit policies for the adoption processes. Upon adoption order issued by the court, the adoptive parents acquire all existing rights and responsibilities of the biological parents, and legally the child is recognized as theirs.
It is vital for people to understand that, for each adoption, the child will have a new birth certificate, which will be re-issued for the purpose that the adopted child will bear the surname of his adoptive parents.
Who Can Adopt?
As eligibility criteria go, along with being legally able to foster in the jurisdiction bound, an applicant goes through a checklist of requirements that includes:
-Being at least 25 years of age and lower bound of 21 years ticked off for being elder than the child.
-A citizen of Singapore or a permanent Visa holder.
If not – Providing documents exhibiting profound ties to Singapore and permanent residence if considered an alien.
-Completing a Home Study Report (HSR) showcasing family constraints and assessing family environment adaptability and suitability of welcoming a new member.
While it is possible for unmarried people to adopt a child, the procedure is usually more difficult and might undergo more scrutiny. In addition, there are other considerations in Singapore for cases involving the adoption of a child of the opposite gender and cases where the child is not a Singaporean.
The Legal Adoption Process in Singapore
To adopt a child in Singapore is a legal procedure that involves several stages in an intricate manner. Below is a simplified illustration on how it usually is done in Singapore:
1. Pre-Adoption Briefing (PAB)
Informed consent in the form of a Pre-adoption Briefing is compulsory for prospective adopters. This allows prospective adopters to prepare themselves from an emotional and legal standpoint.
2. Home Study Report (HSR)
This assessment is done by certified adoption agencies. It aims to assess thoroughly the prospective adoptive parents and the home as well as the accompanying social environment.
3. Identification of the Child
There are two ways through which the applicants can choose to adopt – local or international adoption. In any case, his/her legal status, welfare and documents have to be in order.
4. Application for Adoption Order
At this stage, the aid of a lawyer is paramount. The family lawyer drafts and submits all relevant court documents requesting an Adoption Order. These include affidavits, reports, consents, and background checks.
5. Court Hearing and Final Order
The Family Justice Court will consider all the submissions and, if content, will issue an Adoption Order. This order creates a legal relationship between the child and the adoptive parents.
Justification for Having an Adoption Lawyer
Although the law attempts to safeguard all the parties involved, especially the child, it can be overwhelming and complicated for the prospective adoptive parents. Mistakes in documents, failure to meet timelines, and inadequate preparation for hearings tend to cause delays or even total rejection of the application.
An adoption lawyer is essential for:
Counselling on eligibility and legal matters
Legal Document Preparation
Timelines, court submissions, and deadlines
Court representation
Interfacing with other agencies and the accredited bodies
Compliance with the Children Adoption Act requirements
At Amarjit Sidhu Law, we specialize in providing legal assistance at every stage in the process. We make certain that your case is approached with meticulous attention to detail, efficiency, and sensitivity to the emotional gravity of the procedures involved.
Amarjit Sidhu Law’s Adoption Services
Our firm has an exclusive family law practice that assists clients with all the steps of the adoption process. Be it stepchild adoption, relative adoption, or inter-country adoption via a licensed agency, we aim to meet all your needs.
The following is a list of services we provide:
Consultation examining readiness and eligibility requirements for clients
Home Study Report’s guidance along with agency contacts and relations
Court documents: affidavits, petitions, statements of support
Representation in court hearings
Complicated cross-border adoptions
Post-adoption name changes, update citizenship, or other legal modifications
We assist you with the legal criteria, but more importantly, we prepare you for the experience of a lifetime of nurturing and loving a child.
Why Choose Amarjit Sidhu Law?
Amarjit Sidhu Law drives to ensure that the needs of all clients are accommodated for. The care and passion towards family law is evident through adoption processes, as it is more than just a legal transaction; it is a lifelong commitment towards parenthood. The attention to detail inspires confidence and makes the firm stand out.
1. Proven Family Law Expertise
The exemplary reputation which the firm has achieved in Singapore is for their knowledge and in-depth experience in family law. The vast array of cases that are taken up by the legal team includes divorce, child custody, guardianship, alimony and maintenance. This enables the firm to handle all family law issues associated with adoptions.
2. Personalised Legal Strategy
It is of no surprise that no two adoptions are identical. We take special care to attend to each case. As such, you will be provided with step-by-step guidance on how to procced, tailored to best serve the client’s needs.
3. Responsive and Confidential Service
The sensitive nature of adoption is acknowledged. So are the particular needs for confidentiality. Rest assured that every consultation will be treated in a respectful way. The level of discretion at which everything is executed from start to finish is maintained.
Issues We Address
Experiencing an adoption process can be difficult. To assist you, our team has experience in:
Obtaining home study reports is taking longer than expected.
Contested consent regarding the adoption of stepchildren or relatives.
Involves international adoptions with difficult immigration and citizenship complications.
Amarjit Sidhu Law does not simply process files; we build families and relationships. We offer legal counsel and unmatched commitment alongside a deep concern for clients. Family construction requires much dedication, and we provide assistance at every stage.
📞 Reach out to us today for a private consultation if you are considering adoption in Singapore. Amarjit Sidhu Law accompanies you from the very first step of parenthood to ultimate legal assistance at every stage till conclusion.
Address
📍 Singapore 059413, Chinatown Point #11-09 133 New Bridge Road
📞 +65 6259 2460, +65 9885 4058
✉️ amarjit@asl-law.com.sg
🌐 www.asl-law.com.sg
