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Adoption of a child in Germany, domestic adoption

If you would like to adopt a child, you must apply to the Adoption Center Bremen. It will assist you with any questions and carry out the placement of children with new parents.

The Adoption Center Bremen advises mothers and fathers who are seeking to adopt from a third party, relative or stepparent. The adoption center checks the suitability of applicants and carries out the placement of children with new parents. The suitability check is carried out through participation in a seminar, documents to be submitted, interviews as well as home visits. Only after a positive examination are they recognized as adoption applicants. The team at the adoption center decides which adoptive parents are selected for a child. The best interests of the child always come first. A placement is made when the development of a parent-child relationship can be expected.

Requirements

Anyone wishing to adopt a child must have unlimited legal capacity. Married couples can only adopt jointly. In principle, adoptive parents must meet the following requirements:

  • A minimum age of 25 years - for married couples applies: one spouse must be at least 25 years old, the other at least 21 years old.
  • Secure income or sufficient financial security must be proven.
  • Professional circumstances must allow sufficient time for child rearing.
  • Health must be proven by a health certificate. A certificate from the family doctor is sufficient. A leaflet for presentation to the doctor can be obtained from the adoption office.
  • The exemption from punishment must be confirmed by a police certificate of good conduct. An extended certificate of good conduct is required here. You can obtain a certificate for presentation to the city office from the adoption office.
  • The partnership should have lived in the same household for at least four years.
  • The adoptive parents must respect the religion of the child or the desire for religious upbringing of the birth parents.
  • No parallel medical procedures may be pursued to overcome their own childlessness.

Preference is given to joint adoption. Single applicants will be considered for adoption only if:

  • a related child is adopted.
  • a significant relationship with the child already exists.
  • the adoption preserves the familiar living environment.
  • it is ensured that the child will grow up in stable social circumstances.