Key information
- Adoption is primarily designed to provide a clear legal position and status within a family to a child who would not otherwise have these advantages.
- The Adoption Act 1988 only allows for step-parent adoption in some circumstances.
- Generally, parenting orders though the Family Court are the appropriate means of providing the child with security and stability.
- If you would like to talk to someone about adoption, you can contact us on
(03) 6166 0422.
Step-parent adoption is rare because the process of adoption permanently changes the legal identity and family status of a child. Adoption is primarily designed to provide a clear legal position and status within a family to a child who would not otherwise have these advantages.
The Adoption Act 1988 only allows for step-parent adoptions in circumstances where:
- an order for custody or guardianship would not make adequate provision for the welfare and interests of the child
- an adoption order would better serve the welfare and interests of the child
- there are special circumstances to warrant the making of an adoption order, and
- the welfare and interests of the child will be promoted by adoption.
In most cases it is possible to provide legal security for step-children through the Family Court of Australia. The Family Court has capacity to grant orders for custody or guardianship of children to step-parents. In most cases a Family Court order will make adequate provision for the welfare and interests of the child. An adoption order, which severs all ties between a child and their birth family, is unnecessary and inappropriate in most step-parent cases.
Adoptions in Tasmania are guided by the Adoption Act 1988 and Adoption Regulations 2006.
Information for step-parents considering adoption
Adoption by step-parent
In Tasmania, the Magistrates Court cannot make an order in favour of a step-parent unless it is satisfied that:
- An order for custody or guardianship would not make adequate provision for the welfare and interests of the child
- An adoption order would better serve the welfare and interests of the child
- that there are special circumstances to warrant the making of an adoption order
Special circumstances usually relate to situations where there is ‘no’ man as defined under adoption legislation whose consent to the adoption is required.
Other eligibility criteria
The applicant needs to be married to or in a registered relationship with the child’s parent for at least three years. The period of three years can include a period in which the two persons have resided together in a stable continuous relationship immediately before their marriage or registration of their deed of relationship.
The applicant must be of good character and satisfy requirements in relation to criminal offences.
Consents to adoption
The written consent of the mother to the child’s adoption by the step-parent is always required.
The consent of the biological father is required in the case of children of a previous marriage or when the father was not married to the mother but has legally established his paternity.
Paternity is legally established in different ways including being named on the child’s birth certificate or through a child support or maintenance order.
Views of children involved
The formal consent of a child is not required by the legislation, however, the views and wishes of the child according to their age and understanding must be ascertained and considered. In all cases the child must be counselled about the meaning and effect of the proposed adoption and must be given an opportunity to express their feelings. These views must be made known to the court and the court cannot make an order unless these views and wishes have been taken into account.
Options other than adoption
Change of surname
In some circumstances an informal change of name might be all that is desired by parents. In some instances, a change in surname can occur through Births, Deaths and Marriages. Please contact Births, Deaths and Marriages or check their website for information and eligibility criteria.
Family Court Orders
Quite often parenting orders though the family court can meet the needs of a child without the need for adoption. Please contact the Family Court for advice.
Leave from Family Court
If the Adoption and Permanency Service is able to accept a step-parent application in relation to a child whose paternity has been legally established the prospective adoptive applicants are referred to the Family Court to seek leave to commence adoption proceedings. If an adoption order is made without such leave, this does not terminate the non custodial parent’s right to seek access and custody.
Overage step-parent adoptions
A Court can make an order in respect of a person aged over 18 years in certain circumstances. The ‘child’ must have been brought up, educated and maintained by the prospective adoptive parent as their child. A substantial period of dependence needs to be demonstrated before the age of 18. Legal advice suggests that this period needs to be at least nine years. A person who is or has been married may not be adopted.
Are you interested in adoption?
If you would like to speak with someone about your situation please contact the Adoption team on:
Phone: (03) 6166 0422