QLD Adoption Australia - Can Stepfather Adopt Daughter?

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Renae

Member
20 February 2017
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Hi.

I have an almost 5-year-old daughter. I do not know who her biological father is as I made some poor choices at time of conception. When she was 16 months old, I met a wonderful man who I have been with since and we have been married for a year now. He is the only father she has known.

Is it possible in QLD for him to adopt her? If so, how does this work?

Thank you for your help.
 

Simon Pattison

Lawyer
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18 February 2017
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QLD
lawtap.com
Hi Renae,

I'm not sure if you can adopt in your situation. I have had clients who for various reasons were not able to adopt in similar situations. Of course, every case is different.

Last year I acted for a couple who wanted to adopt their niece's child. They weren't able to adopt so we came up with an alternative where we went to court to obtain orders that they had parental responsibility for the child.

Not quite as good as adoption but will cover most important situations.

I'm happy to discuss that with you if you are interested.
 

Williom James

Active Member
20 May 2019
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0
31
Adoption is a process whereby a person assumes the parenting of another child. In my opinion, no, he does not have to adopt your child legally because he had married you. And you are the biological mother of the child so there is no legal formality needed from the father's side.
 

sammy01

Well-Known Member
27 September 2015
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Yep - but I reckon you're gonna need consent from bio -dad.
 

Tim W

Lawyer
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28 April 2014
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Tim W

Lawyer
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28 April 2014
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any updates on this? as i’d like my partner to adopt my daughter as well, the only father figure she has known (now bio-dad wants mediation because i’m pregnant again, LMAO)
Which state?
 

Tim W

Lawyer
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28 April 2014
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Could i message you in regards to some questions i have? Still waiting on approval for my question! :( and need answers asap
Sorry, but the mod/admin process for new posts exists for a reason.
None of the lawyers here will be prepared to side-step it.

(for clarity: I am not an Admin here)