When many people hear the word “adoption”, they think of the common scenario of a couple adopting a child not related to them by blood. However, there are several types of adoptions, and many adoptions take place within a family including adoptions of a nephew, niece, grandchild or stepchild.
Adopting a relative can be a wonderful way to provide your entire family — and especially the child — with a sense of stability. Courts prefer the parents of a child to play an active role in raising them, with the relatives of each acting in support. However, there are circumstances that require non-parental relatives to step in and assume the role of parent. This tends to happen in the following cases:
- The sudden death of both parents
- Termination of parental rights
- The abandonment of the child by both parents,
- variations of the above
If the child was being raised by one parent and the parent dies or becomes suddenly ill, giving custody to the other parent may not be in the best interest of the child. Even if that parent is alive and well, if the court deems them unfit to be a parent then a relative may get custody. The health, safety, and welfare of the child will always be the court’s first priority.
Who is Considered a Relative?
To qualify for relative adoption, you must be related to the child within the degree of consanguinity. A relative adoption involving grandparents or aunts, uncles and adult brothers or sisters is the most common, as these individuals have the stability and resources to care for a child. However, family circumstances can vary to an extraordinary degree. You may be the much older half brother or sister of a child that one of your parents had late in life. If they are unable to care for them, it is right for you to step up and submit a petition for adoption. If you are a much more distant relative, you will need to follow the special adoption procedure, which will be discussed with you after your application.
Do I Need an Adoption Lawyer?
In every adoption case, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a lawyer on basic points of law. In the more complex types of adoption, you should retain the services of an attorney throughout the process.
All adoptions in Ukraine are best done with the help of a lawyer. This kind of adoption is best handled by an experienced adoption attorney that understands the sensitivities of the process. Our law office is ready to handle any questions you may have regarding the adoption process.