ADOPTION ACT 1988 - SECT 10
ADOPTION ACT 1988 - SECT 10
10—No adoption order in certain circumstances
(1) The Court will not
make an adoption order in relation to a child who is less than 18 years
of age unless satisfied that adoption is in the best interests of the child
and, taking into account the rights and welfare of the child, clearly
preferable to any alternative order that may be made under the laws of the
State or the Commonwealth.
(2) The Court will not
consider an application for adoption made by or on behalf of a person who is
cohabiting with a birth or adoptive parent of a child who is less than 18
years of age in a qualifying relationship unless the Family Court of Australia
has given that person leave to proceed with the application for adoption under
section 60G of the Family Law Act 1975 .