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
What is a Child Support Claim and How Does it Work?
Child support is the amount of money to be paid for the support of the child or children. In general, if one guardian or parent has sole guardianship/custody of a child, the other parent or guardian will be obligated to pay full child support.
Continue Reading What is a Child Support Claim and How Does it Work?
Overview of a Divorce Proceeding in British Columbia
Getting a divorce in British Columbia is luckily a very straight forward process and it has 2 main stages. The first stage consists of filing of the claim for divorce, in legal terms filing the “Notice of Family Claim”, at the Supreme Court of British Columbia, which then leads to the service of the claim for divorce. The service involves delivering, in person, a cop
Continue Reading Overview of a Divorce Proceeding in British Columbia
You May be Eligible for Support Even if Your Partner is a Foreigner and Lives Outside of Canada
Upon relationship breakdown, it is not uncommon for former spouses to relocate to a different province or country. In such cases, can the spouse residing in BC enforce a spousal or child support order against the former spouse in another Canadian province or a foreign jurisdiction?
What to Expect at Your Family Law Consultation?
During the meeting with a family lawyer, you will be asked several questions regarding your matter and the family lawyer will explain the possible approaches to resolve the dispute in the most amicable manner. Family litigation can be time consuming, stressful and expensive so it is important to use your resources wisely.
Continue Reading What to Expect at Your Family Law Consultation?