Before adopting a child, you have to apply for permission from the court. The court will then assign the social services in your municipality to conduct an adoption assessment. The assessment ensures that you’re ready and able to care for an adopted child. It includes interviews, training, and an evaluation of your psychological, physical, and social characteristics. If the social services determine that you’e ready and that the child will have a good life with you, the court will approve your application for adoption.

Adoption laws vary between different countries. Unfortunately, illegal adoptions do occur, even when it appears that everything is going according to law. Because of this, you’ll benefit from getting the help of a lawyer during the adoption process to make sure that everything is legal and that the rights of all parties are respected — both yours, the child’s, and the child’s biological parents.

What happens after the adoption in Sweden is finalized?

When the adoption process in Sweden is complete and you’ve brought your child home, there is support available through Swedish social services. They offer counseling, support groups, and other specialized services for adoptive families to facilitate parenthood 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. Therefore, adoptive parents are encouraged to support the child’s connection to their biological origin and to aid their identity development through openness and respect for the child’s background. A way to do so is through various support groups and other social networks where you can deepen your understanding of the child’s biological origins, allowing you to pass on knowledge and experiences to your child.

What we help with in an adoption

Consultation
We help you understand how adoption in Sweden process works and which steps you need to take. We also provide advice on how to ensure that all legal aspects are followed.k

Application and assessment
We assist you in completing and submitting all necessary documents for the adoption application and support you during the assessment.

After the adoption
We provide advice and support even after the adoption is complete. This way, we make sure that you continue to receive help with any legal issues that may arise.

FAQ about adoption

What’s required to adopt a child in Sweden?
When it comes to adoption in Sweden, you have to be at least 25 years old, or 18 years old if you’re adopting a stepchild. You also have to undergo an eligibility assessment, which includes interviews, home visits, and an evaluation of your physical and mental health as well as your social and financial situation. The district court then determines whether you’re suitable to be an adoptive parent based on the eligibility assessment.

How long does the adoption process take?
It varies depending on many factors, including whether the adoption is national or international, and what assessments are required.

What happens if we encounter problems during the process?
If you encounter problems during the process, it’s helpful to have a lawyer who can look after and work for your rights. We assist you by explaining your options and by supporting you throughout the process.