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Adoption & Surrogacy

Adoption and surrogacy are two methods of building families that have become increasingly popular in Australia over the past few years. Both of these options can be rewarding, but they also have their own unique challenges and requirements. In this article, we will explore the current laws surrounding adoption and surrogacy in Australia, as well as some of the factors to consider before embarking on these paths.

 

Adoption in Australia

Adoption is a process by which a person becomes the legal parent of a child who is not biologically related to them. Adoption in Australia is governed by state and territory laws, which means that the requirements and processes may differ depending on where you live.

In general, there are two types of adoption in Australia: local adoption and intercountry adoption. Local adoption refers to the adoption of a child who is a resident of the same state or territory as the adoptive parents. Intercountry adoption, on the other hand, involves adopting a child from overseas.

To be eligible to adopt in Australia, you must meet certain criteria, including being over 18 years of age and being an Australian citizen or permanent resident. You must also be assessed as suitable to adopt by the relevant state or territory authority.

The process of adoption in Australia can be lengthy and complex, and it often involves working with adoption agencies and social workers. It is important to note that adoption can be emotionally challenging, both for the adoptive parents and the child, and it is essential to have a strong support network in place.

Surrogacy in Australia

Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman agrees to carry a child for someone else. There are two types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. 

Traditional surrogacy involves the surrogate mother using her own egg to conceive the child, which is then carried to term. This method is less common in Australia, as it raises a number of legal and ethical issues. Gestational surrogacy, on the other hand, involves the implantation of an embryo created using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm into the surrogate’s uterus. This method is more commonly used in Australia and is considered to be a more straightforward and legally secure option.

In Australia, surrogacy is regulated by state and territory laws, which means that the requirements and processes may differ depending on where you live. In general, surrogacy is only permitted if it is altruistic, meaning that the surrogate mother cannot receive any financial compensation for her services. This is designed to ensure that the surrogate mother is not exploited or coerced into the arrangement.

To be eligible for surrogacy in Australia, you must meet certain criteria, including being over 18 years of age and being an Australian citizen or permanent resident. You must also undergo a thorough medical and psychological assessment, as well as a criminal history check.

The process of surrogacy in Australia can be lengthy and complex, and it often involves working with fertility clinics and legal professionals. It is important to note that surrogacy can be emotionally challenging, both for the intended parents and the surrogate mother, and it is essential to have a strong support network in place.

Legal Considerations

There are a number of legal considerations that should be taken into account when considering adoption or surrogacy in Australia. These include:

Parental rights
  • It is important to understand your legal rights and responsibilities as a parent, as well as the rights of the child.
Consent
  • All parties involved in adoption or surrogacy must provide informed consent before the process can proceed.
Legal agreements
  • It is essential to have a legally binding agreement in place that outlines the terms of the adoption or surrogacy arrangement.
Birth certificates
  • The child’s birth certificate must accurately reflect their legal parentage.
 
Our experienced lawyers at Leach Legal can assist you with navigating this very complex area of the law.  Please contact us so that you can obtain the best outcome.

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