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Birkett Ticoll |
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WHEN
FAMILY TROUBLES STRIKE |
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Adopting a Child There are three ways to adopt a child unrelated to the adoptive parents in Alberta: through the Director of Child Welfare where the child is in care as a result of a permanent guardianship order or agreement, through a licensed adoption agency or through a direct placement by the biological parent or parents.
It is not legal to charge fees for an adoption or to make any payment to anyone to encourage placement with prospective adoptive parents. The only exception are prescribed fees charged by a licensed adoption agency and fees for specific services provided in connection with the adoption including legal fees, fees for the home study and fees for medical services. A mother or other guardian of the child has ten days in which to revoke consent given to an adoption. Adoption orders cannot be set aside for any reason except fraud after one year, and even then, may only be set aside if it is in the best interests of the child to do so. If a child being placed for adoption is a member of an Indian band, it may be necessary to consult with the band council prior to filing the petition for an adoption order. It is possible for the biological mother or other guardian to have access to the child after the adoption is completed, if the adoptive parents agree. In that case an access agreement should be prepared and the access terms should be included in the adoption order. The Government of Alberta keeps a post-adoption registry. If both the adult adoptee and the biological parents or siblings apply to the registry, the identity of the adoptee will be disclosed. At Birkett Ticoll our goal is to assist you in finding an effective and practical solution to your family law problems. Call us for a free telephone consultation. 
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#730 Phipps - McKinnon Building, 10020 - 101A Avenue Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 3G2 |