Adoption of a German child - notarization ex officio

After successful placement by the responsible adoption agency and after the end of the fostering period, you can submit an application for adoption to the responsible local court - family court.

The family court will examine the application and - if the application is found to be admissible and justified - will issue a legally valid adoption order.

• notarized adoption application
• notarized declaration of consent of the legal representative to the adoption application for a child under 14 years of age or
• notarized declaration of consent of the child over 14 years of age with the consent of the legal representative
• Notarized declarations of consent from the biological parents

Documents of the adopting parents:

• Proof of earnings, assets, debts
• Proof of identity (identity card/passport)
• birth certificates
• Registration certificates
• Health certificates/medical certificates
• Marriage certificate/ civil partnership certificate
• Professional statement from the adoption agency
• Consultation/involvement of the Youth Welfare Office if it has not issued a professional statement

• Notary fees
• court costs

There are no deadlines to observe.

At least 3 months due to the prescribed procedure, possibly longer in more complex procedures.