Posts Tagged ‘civil partner adoption’

New Adoption Law 2017 Now In Force

Posted on: October 26th, 2017

Adoption law has changed in 2017 as the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs has signed into law important changes to Adoption Law in Ireland to take effect from the 19th of October 2017.

The Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (Commencement) Order 2017 SI 443/2017 provides that the Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017, other than section 24(1)(a) and certain definitions in section 3, shall come into effect on 19th October 2017. The Order provides that section 24(1)(a) shall come into effect on 1st February 2018.

The Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 gives legislative effect to the Thirty First Amendment of the Constitution (Children) Act 2012 and provides:

— for the voluntary placement for adoption and the adoption of any child;

— for the revised criteria under which the High Court may dispense with parental consent and authorise an adoption order;

— for the adoption of a child by civil partners and cohabiting couples;

— for the adoption of a child by his or her step parent without the requirement for the child’s other parent to adopt his or her own child;

— for the paramount consideration of the best interests of the child in any matter, application or proceeding under the Adoption Act 2010; and

— for the views of the child to be ascertained by the court or the Adoption Authority in the adoption process and for due weight to be given to those views having regard to the age and maturity of the child.

Section 24(1)(a) of the Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 amends section 54 of the Adoption Act 2010 to provide that the Child and Family Agency must be satisfied that every reasonable effort has been made to support the parents of the child to whom the declaration under section 53(1) of the 2010 Act relates.

Ken Heffernan, Family Law Divorce Solicitor and Mediator, is experienced in dealing with these issues and can apply the appropriate legal parameters to your particular case to advise you appropriately for your circumstances whether you are in Cork or elsewhere in Ireland. We regularly advise on appropriate options including court litigation, negotiation, collaborative law and mediation. We understand each client’s circumstances are different and can arrange an appointment for you at a time and place convenient for yourself including evenings and weekends where appropriate.
Contact Ken, on 021 2409025 or ken@kenheffernan.ie to discuss your family law issues in confidence and without obligation.