On Friday 16 September 2016, our client was successful in adopting his step-daughter in the County Court of Victoria. A ceremony was held at the County Court with the Judge and our client’s family members present. The child was also present and was given a teddy bear to celebrate the adoption.

Step-parent adoption in Victoria involves a two-step process. The adopting parent must first make a Court Application to the Family Court of Australia to seek an Order granting leave to commence adoption proceedings in the County Court of Victoria.

Our client then made an Application to the County Court of Victoria to adopt his step-daughter. Following the preparation of a Report from an authorised Adoption Agency, the Judge determined that the Adoption Order should be made.

Our clients are delighted with this result and we wish them all the best for the future.