Adopting a step or surrogate child
If you are thinking of adopting your step-child, or any other family member, a family lawyer is the best person to help you. They can talk to you about birthparent consent, and explain the adoption process. They can also explain alternatives to adoption, such as parenting and guardianship orders, or changing the step-child's surname to be the same as their step-parent.
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Adopting a step-child
If you decide to go ahead with the adoption, your lawyer can help you apply to the Family Court. The Family Court will request that a social worker create a report for the Court's consideration. The child will most likely be interviewed about their relationship with the step-parent and their understanding of the adoption process. In most cases, an interview with the birthparent will be taken into consideration, as well.
No education and preparation course is required, and family adoptions typically move much more quickly than other types of adoptions. To learn more about the adoption process, please visit our pages on Adoptions within New Zealand and Adopting a child from overseas.
Adopting a surrogate child
In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) surrogacy is a service provided by fertility clinics.
If you are considering a child born of IVF surrogacy you may wish to adopt the child in order to obtain legal parenthood and a birth certificate which includes your names as parents.
Prior to conception, your fertility clinic will refer you to the Child, Youth and Family Adoption Service to ensure assessment for adoption approval has been completed.
You don't have to attend an education and preparation course to adopt, but an information assessment and social worker interview are required. You may be able to begin caring for the child straight after their birth with the birthparents' agreement, and you lawyer will help you apply to the Court for the legal adoption. The Court requires a social work report when considering the adoption application.
We're here to help, so please get in touch with us even if you are considering a surrogacy arrangement apart from one arranged by a fertility clinic.
To find out more about what surrogacy is go to the Advisory Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology.
International surrogacy
International surrogacy is a surrogacy arrangement that involves an overseas country. There are broader considerations that need to be taken in to account than for a domestic surrogacy.
You are strongly advised to seek advice before commencing an international surrogacy, as it can be fraught with difficulties. To access further information you should refer to the Information Sheet and seek legal advice.
If you have questions
Feel free to contact us if you have questions.
