Do we need to be married?

happy_un-bride

I'm mostly concerned with adoption within Canada, but may also be looking at adoption from another country.

DH and I are actually not married, different from the US common-law relationships are recognized by the government for the most part.  So we have never found the need to get married.  We've been common law for over 8 years.  I would hate to go to down the route to pursuing adoption in another year and find out that we're screwed because we're not married, nor have been married for a certain number of years. 

bumpuser794640

I'm sure it depends on the agency, type of adoption, etc.  The agency we're using requires you to have been married for 3 years I think, and they ask for a copy of our marriage certificate.

amm78

Every agency has different requirements.  The agency we're working with doesn't discriminate at all... so you can be married, single, etc.

jackieo1309

From what I've seen, every agency and country has different requirements. Some agencies will let single parents adopt but, if you are adopting together, then you have to be married. Some may let one of you legally adopt and then the other adopt the child later, but you'd still go through the homestudy process together if you're living in the same home. Countries all have different requirements also, some require that all couples be married and some only let single parents adopt special needs children. So it could be possible but you'd have to research every agency/country individually. Good luck!

shortstuff15

I am also in Canada and from what I've found most agencies will accept you regardless.  I am in Alberta and there are 3 main agencies here, 1 of which is a Christian organization.  For domestic adoptions the Christian organization requires you to be married and a Christian, but for international adoptions they will take anybody regardless of marital status or religion.  All countries have different requirements for the couples adopting, but honestly, most that I've researched that the Alberta agencies have helped others adopt from require you to be married for x amount of years.

Dr.Loretta

The answer is, it depends. On a lot of factors. Best bet is to contact agencies, etc. you may want to work with and see if it's an issue. Then you'll know upfront.

xu

just be married

xu

xu:

just be married

I suggest so...