If you want to adopt a child, whether in Ireland or abroad, the first step is to contact a registered adoption society or your nearest health board. If you are adopting from abroad, the process is a lengthier one. As adoption is a complex legal process, it is helpful to be aware of the basics of adoption law. Only registered adoption societies and health boards are entitled to place children for adoption. An adoption order secures in law the position of the child in the adoptive family.
Legal adoption is permanent.
All applications for adoption orders are made to the Adoption Board. In Ireland, in order to adopt a child, you must be at least 21 years of age and resident in the state. Where the child is being adopted by a married couple and one of them is the mother or father or a relative of the child, only one of them must have attained the age of 21 years. The following persons are eligible to adopt A married couple living together, A married person alone. The other spouse's consent to adopt must be obtained unless the couple is living apart and separated under a court decree or a deed of separation, or the other spouse has deserted the prospective adoptive parent or the other spouse's conduct has resulted in the prospective adoptive parent, with just cause, leaving the other spouse.