How long does it take adopt a child in South Africa?

Not being able to have children is a whip-lashing, emotional experience for many couples. Luckily, child adoption makes matters easier but there are formalities that must be adhered to. The adoption process in South Africa can be a tough, complex procedure. During our years of experiences in dealing with child adoption, we have found that many couples undermine this time consuming process. [caption id="attachment_4181" align="alignleft" width="300"] Call us on: 0211110090
Email: [email protected][/caption] However, the adoption process can unfold over a period of months, depending on the nature and circumstances of the matter. Often, further complications may arise during the process and sometimes important choices must be made. Our law offices have dealt with unique child adoption cases in which we have compiled a range of online articles with free expert legal advice for your convenience. For more information, call our law offices and have our friendly receptionist make an online appointment for you today.

Baby adoption process

We often don’t know where to start when it comes to child adoption. These are brief, yet relevant steps you could be looking at when entering into the adoption process: [caption id="attachment_4182" align="alignleft" width="300"] Call us on: 0211110090
Email: [email protected][/caption]
  1. Establish a mutual ground between you and your spouse: this means making sure that both parties are actively involved in the adoption process and that both parties would like to process with the process.
  2. Social worker or adoption agency: A social worker mandatory to the process even though you may personally know the biological mother of the child. When it comes to a social worker and agency, you need to ensure that you can trust both the agency and social worker. These two factors will play an essential role in the outcome of the adoption process.
  3. Screening process: this can be the most dreadful step.
You will need: [caption id="attachment_4183" align="alignleft" width="300"] Call us on: 0211110090
Email: [email protected][/caption]
  • Interview with your social worker
  • Police clearance
  • Medical report
  • Psychological assessment
  • Summary of finances
  • Clearance from National Child Protection Register
  • Clearance from the National Register of Sexual Offenders
  • Assessing of your marriage
  • References
  • Group sessions
  • Social worker will have to visit your home to check for a stable, safe home for the child
  • An overall family assessment
  1. Wait for your child while the social worker determines an ideal candidate that suits the circumstances of the matter.
  2. You will get to meet your child and you will have an idea of your child’s history and have a choice if you would like to proceed.
  3. Complete the legal work: this is where a good, family legal expert comes in to help you through the process of the Children’s Court and other legalities.

Adopting a child from another country

For more information on child adoption simply click on the following links: [caption id="attachment_4184" align="alignleft" width="300"] Call us on: 0211110090
Email: [email protected][/caption] Are you residing out of Cape Town? No problem. Make use of our national number on 087 701 1124 or simply call our offices on 021 424 3487 for an online appointment for a professional legal consultation.
Posted on by Telelaw

How long does it take adopt a child in South Africa?

Not being able to have children is a whip-lashing, emotional experience for many couples. Luckily, child adoption makes matters easier but there are formalities that must be adhered to. The adoption process in South Africa can be a tough, complex procedure. During our years of experiences in dealing with child adoption, we have found that many couples undermine this time consuming process.

Call us on: 0211110090
Email: [email protected]

However, the adoption process can unfold over a period of months, depending on the nature and circumstances of the matter. Often, further complications may arise during the process and sometimes important choices must be made.

Our law offices have dealt with unique child adoption cases in which we have compiled a range of online articles with free expert legal advice for your convenience.

For more information, call our law offices and have our friendly receptionist make an online appointment for you today.

Baby adoption process

We often don’t know where to start when it comes to child adoption. These are brief, yet relevant steps you could be looking at when entering into the adoption process:

Call us on: 0211110090
Email: [email protected]
  1. Establish a mutual ground between you and your spouse: this means making sure that both parties are actively involved in the adoption process and that both parties would like to process with the process.
  2. Social worker or adoption agency: A social worker mandatory to the process even though you may personally know the biological mother of the child. When it comes to a social worker and agency, you need to ensure that you can trust both the agency and social worker. These two factors will play an essential role in the outcome of the adoption process.
  3. Screening process: this can be the most dreadful step.

You will need:

Call us on: 0211110090
Email: [email protected]
  • Interview with your social worker
  • Police clearance
  • Medical report
  • Psychological assessment
  • Summary of finances
  • Clearance from National Child Protection Register
  • Clearance from the National Register of Sexual Offenders
  • Assessing of your marriage
  • References
  • Group sessions
  • Social worker will have to visit your home to check for a stable, safe home for the child
  • An overall family assessment
  1. Wait for your child while the social worker determines an ideal candidate that suits the circumstances of the matter.
  2. You will get to meet your child and you will have an idea of your child’s history and have a choice if you would like to proceed.
  3. Complete the legal work: this is where a good, family legal expert comes in to help you through the process of the Children’s Court and other legalities.

Adopting a child from another country

For more information on child adoption simply click on the following links:

Call us on: 0211110090
Email: [email protected]

Are you residing out of Cape Town? No problem. Make use of our national number on 087 701 1124 or simply call our offices on 021 424 3487 for an online appointment for a professional legal consultation.

Related Post

How do I obtain contact, custody or visitation to my child? I need some advice and assistance.

advice-child-maintenance-child-custody-divorce Issues of child custody, visitation or guardianship rights are usually difficult for parents to deal with. Parents have an inherent right and duty to form part of their child’s lives. Here we refer to parental rights and responsibilities.  However, it often happens that parents of a child cannot see eye to eye as to what is in their child’s best interests. More often than not, when parents are divorced, separated, or not living together, issues arise regarding the children they share. And then there is the case where parents want full custody over their children. These issues may range from the amount of contact the other parent may have, the school the child may attend, or what extra-mural activities the child should pursue. Either way, should parents not be on the same page, outside help may be required. Read on to find out more about the law, factors and your rights. With some advice, your situation may become easier.

What are Parental Responsibilities and rights to a child?

Know your rights: The terms used to refer to the rights and responsibilities of parents to their children are referred to as “parental responsibilities and rights”. Parental responsibilities and rights are defined in the Children’s Act. Section 18 of the Children’s Act of 38 2005 (the Children’s Act) states the following: 18. (1) A person may have either full or specific parental responsibilities and rights in respect of a child. (2) The parental responsibilities and rights that a person may have in respect of a child, include the responsibility and the right- (a) to care for the child; (b) to maintain contact with the child; (c) to act as guardian of the child; and (d) to contribute to the maintenance of the child.

When do parents need to enter into a Parenting Plan?

Mediate the issue: Not going into too much detail, all parents of children should by default have certain parental responsibilities and rights to their children. It often happens that parents who are co-holders of parental responsibilities and rights are unable to agree on how their rights should be exercised. Should that happen, then according to section 33 and 34 of the Children’s Act, they should try to agree on a parenting plan. See an expert: Basically, they should see an expert like a social worker, or psychiatrist assist them in resolving the issues they have. As long as the person is suitably qualified, they may make use of their services. They may even approach the Office of the Family Advocate. Should all go well, a parenting plan would be drafted and entered into. This parenting plan may either be registered with the Office of the Family Advocate or made an Order of Court.

When should parents approach the Child Custody Court? High Court or Children’s Court

If parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, then a court may have to be approached. Usually, they would approach the High Court or the Children’s Court in their area of residence. In South Africa, one does not have to make use of legal representation. In other words, you may represent yourself in Court. Many times, you do not have a choice as you cannot afford legal representation. If you can afford legal representation, we advise you to make use of it.

What is the Children’s Court?

Each magisterial area has a children’s court dealing with Children’s matters. The Children’s Court would be best suited for parents who would prefer to conduct their own case. When you approach the children’s court, they provide you with forms to fill in. They would basically assist you with the process. They will issue a summons/notice to the other parent to appear at Court. Many attorneys also make use of the Children’s Court, as opposed to the High Court, when enforcing their client’s parental responsibilities and rights. Purchase a Consultation with us from our Online Shop, by clicking here.

What is the High Court?

advice-child-maintenance-child-custody-divorceEach province has a High Court. The Court procedure in the High Court is much more complicated than that of the Children’s Court. If you can afford an attorney,  and an advocate, they the High Court is another option. Specific documentation needs to be drafted. One is called a Notice of Motion, and the other, a founding Affidavit.

What are the serious parental issues the Court looks at?

There are various pertinent issues the court looks at when deciding how contact or visitation should be exercised. Each case is unique. In this article, we will list factors that may limit the exercising of your parental right of contact or care. They are:

Child Abuse

  • Child abuse has many facets. It is not only physical but psychological and emotional a swell.

Unfit parenting

  •  Not all parents are fit enough to care for a child primarily. This is especially so if there is a history of irresponsible parenting.

Living Conditions

  • The law in no way discriminates against parents based on their living conditions. However, it is a factor to consider in Child Custody Cases.

Psychiatric disorders

  • Psychiatric disorders in many cases play a role in deciding how care and contact should be exercised. If the condition is bad, a court would have to factor it in when making its decision.

How does the Court come to its decision?

advice-child-maintenance-child-custody-divorceThe Court (Children’s Court as well as the High Court) would listen to both parents and any expert appointment. Usually, the expert would provide a report. Many times, they are the office of the family advocate or a state-appointed social worker. After looking at, and hearing everything, the court would make a decision based on what is in the child’s best interest. This article has been updated. We are certain that you found the above article useful and interesting. Please consider sharing it on the share buttons below. They include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Gmail and more. Someone may find it useful as well. Should you require business advice or services, feel free to click on these links: Business SA | Private Legal | Envirolaws      
Posted on by Telelaw

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