Relative adoption of a child in Germany (domestic adoption) Accompaniment

Do you want to adopt a related child? The adoption office will advise and guide you through the next steps. You can find out more about the process here.

In a kinship adoption, a related child, such as a niece, nephew or grandchild, is adopted. In contrast to a full adoption, only the child's relationship to both biological parents is terminated, but not that to other relatives.

Whether the adopting parents are suitable and the best interests of the child can be guaranteed must be examined just as carefully as in the case of an external adoption.

The best interests of the child always come first. A parent-child relationship must be established through the adoption.

In the case of relationships up to the 3rd degree, unlike in the case of full adoption, only the child's relationship to both biological parents is terminated, but not that to other relatives.

Please contact the local adoption agency of the youth welfare office.

Please arrange a consultation appointment with an adoption agency. They will tell you which documents are required and when.

• Copies of the transcripts from the birth register
• Copy of the marriage certificate, if applicable
• Copies of death certificates or divorce decrees of former spouses, if applicable
• Copies of the birth entries of legitimate, illegitimate and adopted children
• BZR extract
• Health certificates
• Extended registration certificate
• Copies of proof of income
• photos

The prerequisite is the establishment of a parent-child relationship and the consent of the biological parents. If the child is 14 years or older, they must also give their consent.

Otherwise, the same requirements apply as for the adoption of another person's child.

§1755 and 1756 BGB

• The adoption agency advises all parties involved
• The application is submitted to the family court
• The need for adoption and suitability are checked
• The family court decides on the adoption