Social Authority

Adoption of a related child General Information

Do you want to adopt a child from a relative? The adoption agency will advise and support you through the next steps. Learn more here.

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Digital adoption

Detailed description

With a relative adoption, you want to adopt a child or person with whom you are already related or have a familial relationship – for example, your niece or nephew.



When you adopt a child from a family member, unlike adopting a child from another person, part of the biological family often remains legally intact. For relationships up to the third degree, only the child's relationship to both biological parents is terminated, but not the relationship to other relatives.



Adoption is a lengthy process, and you will be supported by the adoption agency throughout. Even after the adoption process is complete, you can continue to receive advice and support from the adoption agency. The adoption agency's primary focus is always on the child's well-being and safeguarding their rights and needs.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • There is a relationship of kinship or marriage between you and the child up to the third degree.
  • A close relationship comparable to that between parent and child already exists between you and the child – or it is foreseeable that such a relationship will develop.
  • The child's biological parents agree to the adoption.
    • If the child is 14 years or older, he or she must also consent to the adoption.
  • You have unlimited legal capacity
  • You are at least 25 years old.
    • If you want to adopt a child as a couple, one of you must be at least 25 years old. The younger one must be at least 21 years old.
  • You have a secure income and/or sufficient financial security.
  • Your professional situation allows you enough time to raise your children.
  • You are physically able to ensure the upbringing and care of your child in the long term.
  • You have no criminal record that would limit your suitability as a parent.
  • They are prepared to respect the child’s religion or the biological parents’ wish for religious upbringing.

Documents required

  • Copies of the birth register transcripts
  • Extract from the Federal Central Register (BZR)
  • Health certificates
  • Extended registration certificate
  • Copies of proof of income
  • Photos (if possible no passport photos)

If applicable, additionally:

  • Copy of marriage certificate
  • Copies of death certificates or divorce decrees of former spouses
  • Copies of birth records of legitimate, illegitimate and adopted children

Please note

No

Deadlines

No

Procedure

  • You can get advice from the adoption agency.
  • You submit your notarized application to the family court.
  • The court obtains opinions, holds discussions with all parties involved and checks whether all requirements have been met.
  • The court will make a decision and inform you of it in a written order.

Processing time

The processing time depends on the individual case.

Fees

Consultation is free of charge.


Costs may arise during the adoption process. The type and amount of these costs depend on the individual case. The responsible agency will be happy to inform you of these costs in advance.

Legal remedies

Not applicable

Legal basis

Section 9 paragraph 1 or paragraph 2 of the Adoption Placement Act (AdVermiG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/advermig_1976/__9.html


§ 1755 German Civil Code (BGB)


www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__1755.html


§ 1756 German Civil Code (BGB)


www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__1756.html

Links on the Internet

Address and contact information

Social Authority

FS 43
Common Central Adoption Office

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Keywords: Adopting a related child Rules for surrogacy and adoption, including stepchild adoption

Last updated: 06.02.2026