Trusted Ottawa Adoption Lawyer

Ottawa Adoption Services You Can Trust

Adopting a child in Ottawa is a significant decision. What is considered a “family” is rapidly changing in our modern world. People are increasingly choosing less traditional means to establish their families, with options like adoption, fertility treatments, and surrogacy. Despite their growing popularity, these routes can be daunting and intricate. Deciding to adopt is often the easiest step; the real challenge lies in navigating the adoption process. At RPB Family Law, our experienced lawyers can guide you through the complexities. Contact our team today!

Adopting a Child in Ottawa

If you are adopting a child in Ottawa Ontario and you are a resident of Canada. Adoptive parents can be a couple or a single person. There are no limitations or discriminations concerning your racial background, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation in the adoption process. However, your financial situation, age, and health can be contributing factors for your approval.

When a child is adopted, the “adoptive parent” takes over all legal rights and responsibilities to parent that child. Likewise, the adopted child will gain all legal rights a biological child would have including estate rights. Adoption can also be used to manage co-parenting and support. As an example, you can utilize the adoption process to include your partner in the life of your child from another relationship.

Types of Adoption in Canada

There are four types of adoptions in Canada:

• Public Adoption
• Private Adoption
• Intercountry/International Adoption
• Relative/Stepparent Adoption.

What Type of Adoption is Right For You

It is crucial to identify which type of adoption is the most suitable for you and your family. The type of adoption you choose will impact many aspects of your adoption journey. For instance, international or private adoptions cost more than public or family adoptions.

Adoption Specific Procedures

Additionally, each adoption type follows its own specific procedures. For example, if you choose a public, private, or international adoption, you’ll need a parent training course and a home study. In contrast, if you are adopting a child in Ottawa who is living in Ontario from a family member or through a stepparent adoption, you usually do not need to satisfy these required trainings and assessments.

If you are certain that adoption is a path you wish to take, you must also decide which type of adoption is more suitable for you. Having a clear understanding of each adoption type and the pros and cons of each category will facilitate your decision-making process.

Public Adoption Procedure

• A Public Adoption is the adoption of a child or youth who is in extended society care. Ontario Children’s Aid Society (CAS) is responsible for facilitating the public adoptions. The goal in a public adoption is to provide children with a permanent home and the sense of security that comes with having a stable home. Children needing permanent families through this type of adoption are often older and have experienced trauma throughout their lives. They may require special care or additional medical assistance.

Private Adoption Procedure

• Private Adoption is mostly referred to the adoption of a newborn. Either a private adoption practitioner or a licensed private adoption agency will facilitate this type of adoption.

International Adoption Procedure

• International Adoption is the adoption of a child or youth outside of Canadian boarders. Applicants must work with an international adoption agency, as they will facilitate this avenue of adoption.