Adoption of GK (Anonymised)

The case before the court involved an application for the recognition of a foreign adoption, a declaration under the Adoption Act 2000 (NSW), and an application for a consent dispense order. The applicants sought to recognise a foreign adoption under section 116 of the Adoption Act 2000 (NSW) and to dispense with the requirement to give notice of the application to the child’s natural parents under section 88(4) of the Adoption Act 2000 (NSW). The applicants also sought a consent dispense order under section 67(1)(d) of the Adoption Act 2000 (NSW) to dispense with the requirement to obtain consent from the child’s natural parents. The court was required to determine whether the foreign adoption could be recognised in New South Wales, whether the applicants were entitled to a declaration under section 117 of the Adoption Act 2000 (NSW), and whether the applicants were entitled to a consent dispense order.

The court found that the foreign adoption was valid and could be recognised in New South Wales. The court also found that the applicants were entitled to a declaration under section 117 of the Adoption Act 2000 (NSW) and that a consent dispense order should be granted. The court found that the applicants had demonstrated that it was in the best interests of the child for the consent of the child’s natural parents to be dispensed with. The court noted that the child had been living with the applicants for a significant period of time and had formed a strong attachment to them. The court also noted that the child’s natural parents had not been involved in the child’s life and had not demonstrated any interest in the child’s welfare.

The court made a declaration under section 117 of the Adoption Act 2000 (NSW) that the foreign adoption was valid and could be recognised in New South Wales. The court also granted a consent dispense order under section 67(1)(d) of the Adoption Act 2000 (NSW) and dispensed with the requirement to give notice of the application to the child’s natural parents under section 88(4) of the Adoption Act 2000 (NSW). The court made an order recognising the foreign adoption and authorising the applicants to adopt the child.