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Why you should plan an adoption with the help of a lawyer

Valeska Sommer will give you advice on all issues concerning adoption.

The following belong to the relevant questions in relation to adopting a minor:

• What effects can an adoption have?
• Do you have to be married to adopt a partner's child?
• Under what circumstances can a minor be adopted?
• What age requirement is involved with an adoption?
• When do the parental duties end when an adoption is carried out?
• What documents are required for an adoption?
• Under what circumstances can it be sensible to hold off on adopting until the child has become an adult?

General information about adoption laws

The issue of adoption has been enjoying a large amount of social interest for years. In 2006, 4748 children were adopted in Germany. 59 % of the adoption cases involved being adopted by step-parents or relatives. The proportion of adoptions where the adoptive parents and child did not know each other sank from 47 % (1993) to 40 % (2006) ( statistics from the Federal Statistical Office).

With regards to the purpose, adopting adults, relatives and stepchildren has to be differentiated from adopting children, who are not part of the family.

Adopting a child

The adoption of minors still makes out the majority of adoption proceedings. In this case, the principle of full adoption applies, meaning that the relationship to his previous relatives if deleted in full. At the same time, the rights and duties resulting from being related also end. First and foremost, this affects maintenance rights and inheritance laws.

Due to the high number of broken marriages, especially in large cities like Frankfurt am Main, or extramarital relations, more than half of all adoptions are step-children adoptions. The point is to dress the existing relationship in such a way that it is regarded as advantageous for the child.

Adopting an adult

Adopting adults is, however, a deeply rooted institute in German law. An adult adoption is when the decision to accept made by the guardianship court is made when the adoptee is an adult. The regulations for adopting minors are applied mutatis mutandis insofar as others result from the special regulations. Those involved can neither choose this type of adoption at random, but requires it to be morally justifiable.
From a tax point of view, adopting an adult can be sensible to optimize inheritance tax in the future.
Further information about adopting an adult

Ms. Sommer would be glad to accompany you during your adoption proceedings and is at your disposal with help and advice in our office Frankfurt am Main und in Hanau.