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Adoption of a child after placement by the youth welfare office Partnerschaft und Familie

Adoption as a child (adoption) is pronounced by the family court at the request of the adopter.

  • Basic information

    After successful placement by the responsible adoption agency and after the foster care period has expired, you can submit an application for adoption to the responsible local court - family court.

    The family court examines the application and - if the application proves to be admissible and well-founded - validly pronounces the adoption in the resolution procedure.

    Requirements

    • You want to adopt a child.
    • You have all the necessary documents for the local court, such as the notarized adoption application.
    • The family court will carry out the investigations required to establish the facts relevant to the decision ex officio and will examine the adoption proceedings.

  • Procedure

    If you would like to adopt a child, you will first contact the appropriate adoption agency and go through an application process. After passing the adoption care period, the adoption application can be submitted:

    • You or your notary must submit a notarized adoption application to the appropriate family court.
    • The family court examines all documents, involves the adoption agency, among others, and decides on the adoption.
    • The family court pronounces the adoption of the child by means of an order. When this decision is served, the adoption is effective and incontestable. The adopted child receives the surname of the adoptive family and has the same rights as a natural child.

  • Necessary Documents
    • notarized adoption application
    • notarized declaration of consent of the legal representative to the adoption application for a child under 14 years of age, respectively
    • notarized declaration of consent of the child over 14 years of age with the consent of the legal representative
    • notarized declarations of consent from the natural parents
    • Evidence of earnings, assets, debts

      of the acceptors

    • Proof of identity (identity card/passport)

      of the acceptors

    • Registration certificates

      of the acceptors

    • Health certificates/medical certificates

      of the acceptors

    • Marriage certificate/partnership certificate

      of the acceptors

    • Professional statement of the adoption agency

      of the acceptors

    • Documents on the hearing/participation of the youth welfare office if it has not submitted any professional comments

      of the acceptors

  • Competent Department

  • Fees / Costs

    Notary fees and court costs may be incurred.
    The respective amount depends on the individual case.

  • Deadlines & processing time

    How long does it take to process

    At least 3 months due to the prescribed procedure, possibly longer in more complex procedures.

  • Legal Bases

  • More Information

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This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.

The official information in German is complete and correct. 07.09.2025

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