Adopting in Sweden: Everything you need to know
Adopting a child is a significant decision, and the adoption process can be lengthy and demanding. In Sweden, there are numerous laws surrounding adoption to ensure the best interests of the child and to protect the rights of all parties involved.
To adopt a child, you have to apply for permission from the court. The court then assigns the social services in your municipality to conduct an adoption assessment. This assessment ensures that you’re prepared and capable of caring for an adoptive child. It includes interviews, training, and an evaluation of your psychological, physical, and social characteristics. If the social services determine that you’re ready and that the child will have a good life with you, the court approves your adoption application.
Adoption laws vary between countries. Unfortunately, illegal adoptions still occur, even if they appear to follow the law on the surface. This is why it’s crucial to work with a lawyer during the adoption process to ensure that everything is conducted legally and that the rights of all parties—yours, the child’s, and the biological parents’—are respected.
What happens when the adoption is finalized?
Once the adoption in Sweden is complete and the child is with you, there are various forms of support available through social services. These include counseling, support groups, and other specialized services for adoptive families to ease parenting and promote the child’s well-being.
In Sweden, there’s also an emphasis on the child’s right to know their biological and cultural background. Adoptive parents are encouraged to foster the child’s connection to their biological origins and support their identity development with openness and respect for their background. A good way to do this is by participating in support groups and social networks that provide opportunities to learn about the child’s biological heritage, so you can pass on this knowledge and your experiences to the child.
What we help with in an adoption
Legal advice
We help you understand the process of an adoption in Sweden and the steps you need to take. We also provide advice on ensuring all legal aspects are followed.
Application and assessment
We assist you with completing and submitting all necessary documents for the adoption application and support you during the assessment.
Post-adoption support
We provide legal guidance and support even after the adoption is finalized, helping you address any questions that may arise.
Get legal help today
Do you need help with adoption matters? You can always get in contact with our lawyers within just 24 hours when you need quick answers to your questions. Or you can email or call us whenever you need to hire a lawyer for legal assistance.
FAQ about adoption in Sweden
What are the requirements to adopt a child?
In an adoption in Sweden, you have to be at least 25 years old, or 18 years old if adopting a stepchild. You have to undergo a suitability assessment, which includes interviews, home visits, and evaluations of your physical and mental health, as well as your social and financial situation. The district court then determines if you’re suitable adoptive parents based on the assessment.
How long does the adoption process take?
It varies depending on several factors, including whether the adoption is national or international and the type of assessments required.
What if we encounter problems during the process?
If you encounter problems, having a lawyer is essential to protect your rights. We can help by explaining your options and supporting you throughout the process.
