We'd like to adopt my niece's child out of our affection. We do not have children. We're Hindus. If we adopt the child by a religious ceremony, is the adoption legal? If so, which religious ceremony?
Thank you for your advice.
Rani (home maker) 19 March 2013
We'd like to adopt my niece's child out of our affection. We do not have children. We're Hindus. If we adopt the child by a religious ceremony, is the adoption legal? If so, which religious ceremony?
Thank you for your advice.
Rama chary Rachakonda (Secunderabad/Telangana state Highcourt practice watsapp no.9989324294 ) 19 March 2013
The adoption must be real and not symbolic. The child must be actually given and taken in adoption by the respective parties. However, no specific shastric or religious ceremony is necessary for the purpose.
Rani (home maker) 19 March 2013
Yes of course. Our intention is full adoption (the child shall be given and taken as you explained). What is the procedure one should follow under HAMA? What is the procedure under JJ Act given that it is an adoption of a relative? Thanks.
Advocate Sastry (Advocate) 19 March 2013
@Rani,
I give you some information (HAMA) as under which may be useful:
Quote:
WHO CAN BE ADOPTED?
No person can be adopted unless:
OTHER CONDITIONS FOR A VALID ADOPTION ARE FULFILLED
REGISTRATION
The adoption deed is not required to be registered (except in Uttar Pradesh where it declares or reserves an interest worth Rs. 100 or more for a third person in an immovable property). However authority to adopt is required to be registered under section 17(3), Indian Registration Act.
Unquote...
You may consult your local advocate for further details about adoption.... Regards
Rani (home maker) 19 March 2013
Thank you Mr. Shastry. As I understand, there is no upper age limit for the adopting parent under HAMA. Am I right? So, we first need to register 'authority to adopt' and then write an adoption deed which we may or may not register. If there is anything else needed for the procedure, please post.
Advocate Sastry (Advocate) 19 March 2013
@Rani,
You have correctly understood... There is no legal upper age limit for parents but most adoptive agencies set their own benchmarks with regard to age. For a child who is less than a year old, the adoptive parents can have a maximum combined age of 90 years. Also, neither parent must be older than 45 years.
In your case this may not be applicable since you intend to adopt your close relative...GOOD LUCK... Regards
Rani (home maker) 19 March 2013
What is the difference between 'Authority to adopt' and 'Adoption deed'? Thank you.
Advocate Sastry (Advocate) 19 March 2013
@Rani,
Authority to adopt is legal capability to adopt.(An adoptive parent should be medically fit and financially able to care for a child. A person wishing to adopt a child must be at least 21 years old.) . Adoption deed is the document signed by natural parents and adoptive parents mentioning terns and conditions relating to adoption.