PKWA Law was recently quoted by Channel NewsAsia (CNA) in an article examining why some unwed single parents in Singapore choose to legally adopt their own biological children.
The article, titled “I gave birth to her, so why do I have to adopt her?’: The unwed single parents adopting their own children”, looks at the legal issues faced by parents of children born outside marriage, including matters relating to the child’s legal status, inheritance, housing and other practical considerations.
What Changes When a Biological Parent Adopts Their Own Child?
Speaking to CNA, Derek Choo, Associate Director of the Family Law and Probate Department at PKWA Law Practice, explained that a parent does not cease to be the legal parent of a child simply because the child was born outside marriage.
The biological parent continues to have parental rights and legal responsibilities towards the child. However, Singapore law continues to distinguish between children born within marriage and those born outside marriage in certain legal contexts.
As Derek explained to CNA:
“What changes with adoption is the child’s legal status, not the relationship itself.”
He added:
“Singapore law still distinguishes between a child born within marriage and one born outside it, and for many unwed mothers, adopting their own child is the clearest way to close that gap.”
The CNA article explores some of the reasons why an unwed biological parent may consider adopting his or her own child, including concerns surrounding inheritance, housing eligibility, tax relief and the legal relationship between the child and the other biological parent.
It also highlights the practical requirements involved in the adoption process. Biological parents seeking to adopt their own children are generally subject to core pre-adoption requirements, which may include a mandatory briefing, an Adoption Suitability Assessment, interviews, home visits and a court application.
The circumstances of every parent and child are different, and whether adoption is appropriate will depend on the family’s particular legal and personal circumstances.
Read the full CNA article:
If you require advice on adoption, child custody, guardianship or other Singapore family law matters, please contact our experienced family lawyers for a confidential consultation.