Child Adoption:

Our child adoption documentation service ensures all paperwork is handled with precision and care. We streamline the process, making sure all legal requirements are met, so you can focus on bringing your child home with confidence.

Child Adoption Procedure and Understanding:

Introduction:

Adoption is a life-changing decision and an emotional journey for many individuals and couples. It offers a meaningful solution for those unable to have biological children. Before deciding to adopt, understanding the legal procedures and requirements is essential. The process can often be challenging and complex, especially for those unfamiliar with it. This guide aims to help prospective adoptive parents prepare for their journey, understand what to expect, and navigate the adoption process effectively.

What is Adoption?

Adoption is the legal process through which individuals or couples who are not the biological parents assume the parental rights and responsibilities for a child. It may be arranged directly by the adoptive parents or facilitated by an intermediary, such as a social services organization.

Types of Adoption:

• Voluntary Adoption: When adoptive parents willingly choose to adopt a child.
• Non-Consensual Adoption: When someone is legally appointed as the child’s parent without agreement from the biological parents.
• Consensual Adoption: When all parties involved, including biological parents, agree to the adoption.

Adoption Process in Pakistan

While Pakistan lacks specific adoption laws, the process typically involves a verbal agreement or adoption deed. For foreign nationals or those residing abroad, the following steps are generally followed:

1. Adopting a Child
   • A professional doctor completes a required form.
   • Adoptive parents must provide a report detailing:
     • Name of child, birth date, and place of birth.
     • Biological parent(s)’ name and address.
     • A statement of adoption, including when the child was taken into care.
   • Foreigners adopting in Pakistan must provide proof of residency, reasons for adoption, and details of other children (if any).
2. Legal Procedure
   • File a case to terminate the biological parents’ rights and transfer custody to the adoptive parents.
   • Serve notice and obtain recorded consent from the biological parents.
   • Present the adoption deed for final arguments and obtain a court decree.
3. Applying for Guardianship
   • Adopting parents may apply for guardianship under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 to secure legal custody of the child. 
   • Securing Identity Documents
   • After obtaining a guardianship order, adoptive parents must:
     • Apply for a Child Protection Certificate (CPC) from NADRA.
     • Apply for a National Identity Card (NIC) for the child.

Islamic Perspective on Adoption

Islam emphasizes care and support for adopted children while preserving their original lineage.

1. Maintaining Identity: Adoptive parents care for and nurture the child without altering their biological identity.
2. Changing Identity: Historically, lineage could be changed to reflect the adoptive family, as seen with Zaid ibn Haritha, who was initially known as Zaid ibn Muhammad.

However, Islamic teachings later mandated maintaining a child’s original lineage. If the biological father is unknown, the child may be identified by association, avoiding claims of parenthood.

This principle ensures adoptive families provide love and care without altering the child’s inherent identity, aligning with Islamic values.