Adoption

Every Family Has a Story. WE Help Make it Official.

Adoption is one of the most meaningful legal processes we handle. Whether you are welcoming a child into your family, formalizing a long-established parent-child relationship, or pursuing an adult adoption, our team can guide you through every step.

At RDM, adoption is a focused area of practice. We regularly assist clients from across British Columbia with both adult and child adoptions, including many matters referred to us by other lawyers who do not regularly handle adoption applications.

We Assist With

• Adult adoptions
• Step-parent adoptions
• Relative and extended family adoptions
• Independent adoptions
• International adoptions
• Contested adoptions
• Adoption-related advice for birth parents
• Court applications involving adoption consents and notices

Whether the person being adopted is a newborn child or an adult seeking to legally recognize a lifelong parental bond, we can help you navigate the legal requirements and court process.

Serving Clients Throughout BC

Adoption services are not readily available in every community in British Columbia. Through our work, we have encountered families in remote and rural areas who were unable to find a local lawyer willing or able to assist with their adoption.

To help meet this need, we have developed processes that allow us to assist clients throughout the province. While our offices are located in the Fraser Valley, much of the adoption process can often be completed remotely, enabling us to provide guidance and representation to families across British Columbia.

Generally, an applicant for adoption must have resided in British Columbia for at least six months before commencing an adoption application. There are limited exceptions, including certain step-parent adoption situations.

We believe geography should not be a barrier to accessing experienced legal assistance when formalizing an important family relationship.

Adult Adoptions

Many people are surprised to learn that adult adoption is available in British Columbia.

Adult adoptions are often pursued to formally recognize a parent-child relationship that has existed for many years. Common situations include step-parents who raised a child into adulthood, long-term guardians, foster parents, or individuals who wish to legally acknowledge an important family relationship.

While the process is often more straightforward than a child adoption, adult adoptions involve unique legal considerations and court requirements. As a result, it is important to obtain advice from a lawyer experienced in this area.

RDM Lawyers regularly assists clients throughout British Columbia with adult adoption applications and frequently receives referrals from individuals and other lawyers seeking guidance in this specialized area of law.

For additional information about adult adoptions in British Columbia, please review our blog post here: Overview of Adult Adoption in BC | RDM Lawyers

Advice for Birth Parents

We also provide independent legal advice to birth parents who are considering adoption options for their child. Adoption has significant legal consequences, including the transfer of parental rights and responsibilities, and we can help ensure you understand your rights, options, and the legal effects of any consent you may be asked to provide.

Open and Closed Adoptions

Questions frequently arise regarding ongoing contact between birth families and adoptive families following an adoption. For more information about open and closed adoptions, changing openness arrangements, and the enforceability of openness agreements, please review our blog post here: Overview of Open vs. Closed Adoption Agreements | RDM Lawyers

Adoption Costs and Timelines

Every adoption is unique. Factors such as the type of adoption, whether consents are available, the age of the person being adopted, and whether additional court reports are required can all affect the overall cost and timeline.

We have prepared a detailed guide addressing common questions about adoption requirements, timelines, fees, consents, service requirements, and the overall adoption process in British Columbia.

Learn more here: Adoptions: Costs and Timeline | RDM Lawyers