One of the first questions prospective adoptive parents ask is how long the adoption process will take and what it is likely to cost.

Unfortunately, there is no single answer. Every adoption is unique and the timeline and fees depend on factors such as the type of adoption, whether consents are available, the age of the person being adopted, and whether additional reports or court appearances are required.

The information below provides a general overview of what to expect for adoptions in British Columbia.

Can We Assist If You Live Outside of the Fraser Valley?

Yes.

We regularly assist adoption clients throughout British Columbia, including in remote and rural communities where adoption services may not be readily available. Much of the process can often be completed remotely, although certain documents may need to be sworn before a local lawyer or notary public.

How Long Does an Adoption Take?

Adult Adoptions

Adult adoptions are often the most straightforward type of adoption.

Once we have gathered the required information and documents, an uncontested adult adoption can often be completed within approximately 3 to 6 months, although timelines ultimately depend on court processing times and the circumstances of the application.

Uncontested Child Adoptions

Most uncontested child adoptions take approximately 6 to 12 months.

Factors that may affect the timeline include:

• Obtaining required Vital Statistics records
• Whether birth parents or guardians are available to provide consent
• Difficulties locating individuals who must be served
• The need for a Views of the Child Report
• Court processing times

International Adoptions

International adoptions typically involve an adoption agency and can take more than a year before the matter reaches the court stage in British Columbia.

Typically it is only after the child is in Canada that the adoption agency will be able to provide the necessary documentation for us to obtain a court order. From when the package of documents is ready, it takes approximately 2 to 6 months, subject to court availability.

Contested Adoptions

Contested adoptions vary significantly depending on the issues involved and the steps required by the court. In most cases, a contested adoption will take at least one year and often longer.

How Much Does an Adoption Cost?

Adult Adoptions

Most uncontested adult adoptions fall within the same fee range as other uncontested adoptions. Typically the legal fees are approximately $3,500-$4,500, plus applicable taxes and disbursements.

UnContested Child Adoptions

Our standard fee for an uncontested direct-placement adoption is $3,500-$4,500 plus taxes and disbursements.

Additional costs may include:

• Court filing fees
• Process serving fees
• Independent Legal Advice for consents
• Private investigator fees, if required
• Views of the Child Reports
• Vital Statistics records

Where multiple children are being adopted at the same time, additional fees will apply and vary based on age.

International Adoptions

Our standard fee for obtaining a final adoption order following an international adoption is $6,500 plus taxes and disbursements.

Contensted Adoptions

Because contested adoptions vary significantly, we charge at our hourly rates. We can provide a more information after learning about your circumstances and what steps we anticipate being involved.

More information about hourly billing can be found at our post here: Hourly Rates and Litigation: how much is this going to cost me?

What Information WIll YOU need?

Every adoption is different, but common information and documents include:

• Registration of Live Birth for the individual being adopted. This is not the same as a birth certificate. The court requires a certified copy or extract of the birth registration from BC Vital Statistics, often referred to as a “Registration Photocopy/Extract.” Because obtaining this document can take several weeks, we recommend ordering it as early as possible (see application form here: Order certificates and copies – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca). 
• Copies of any parenting agreements, separation agreements, court orders, guardianship documents, or other written arrangements relating to the child.
• Information regarding the history of the child’s care, including who has provided financial and emotional support.
• Information regarding the proposed adoptive parent(s), including living arrangements and ability to support the child financially and emotionally, and any other children.
• Contact information for all birth parents and guardians.
• Information regarding whether birth parents or guardians are expected to consent to the adoption.
• Information relating to the child’s views and consent, where required by law. Depending on the child’s age, additional steps may be required before an adoption can proceed. Unless the court waives the requirement, children between the ages of 7 and 11 may need to meet with an authorized professional who will prepare a report regarding the child’s understanding of the adoption and any views they wish to express. Children aged 12 and older are generally required to provide their consent to the adoption.
• Any additional documents specific to your circumstances, such as international adoption materials, immigration documents, or prior adoption records.

Following your initial consultation, we will provide a detailed checklist tailored to your specific adoption. Gathering these documents early can significantly reduce delays and help move the adoption process forward as efficiently as possible.

More information about hourly billing can be found at our post here: Hourly Rates and Litigation: how much is this going to cost me?

Independent LEgal Advice for Consents

British Columbia law generally requires birth parents or guardians who are providing consent to an adoption to receive independent legal advice regarding the meaning and effect of adoption.

We are pleased to provide this service.

Our current fee for independent legal advice relating to adoption consent is $500 plus tax.

Please note that we cannot guarantee that we will recommend signing consent documents. Our professional obligation is to ensure that any consent is informed, voluntary, and legally valid.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Every adoption is unique. The information above is intended to provide a general overview of the process, timelines, and costs involved, but the specific requirements for your adoption will depend on your family’s circumstances.

Whether you are considering an adult adoption, step-parent adoption, relative adoption, international adoption, or another type of adoption, our team would be pleased to discuss your situation and help you understand the next steps.

We regularly assist families throughout British Columbia with both contested and uncontested adoptions. Many of our clients reside outside the Fraser Valley, and much of the adoption process can often be completed remotely.

To schedule a consultation with a member of our Adoption Team, please contact our office at 604.853.0774.

Additional Resources

• Adult Adoptions in British Columbia – learn more about the requirements and process for adult adoptions here: https://rdmlawyers.com/insights/adoption/overview-of-adult-adoption-in-bc/
• Immigration Status – learn more about how immigration Learn more More information on immigration status and adoptions can found here: https://rdmlawyers.com/insights/adoption/immigration-status-and-adoption/