Who can adopt in the Philippines?

According to this Law, any person can adopt provided he or she is a Filipino citizen or
alien residing in the Philippines who:

Is of legal age.

Is at least 16 years older than adoptee, except when the adopter is the biological
parent.

Has the capacity to act and assume all the rights and duties incident to the
exercise of parental authority.

Is of good moral character and has not been convicted of any crime involving
moral turpitude.

Is in a good position to support, educate and care for his/her legitimate and
illegitimate children and the child to be adopted.

Has undergone the pre-adoption services.

An alien may adopt if he/she has diplomatic relations with the Philippines, has
been certified by his/her diplomatic or consular office or any appropriated agency
that he/she is qualified to adopt in his country, and that his/her government will
allow the adoption.

An alien has been living in the Philippines for at least three (3) continuous years
prior to the filing of the application for adoption and maintains such residence until
the adoption decree is entered

Who can be adopted in the Philippines?

Any person below 18 who has been administratively or judicially declared

available for adoption.
Legitimate son/daughter of one spouse by the other spouse.

An illegitimate son/daughter by a qualified adopter/s to improve his/her status to

that of legitimacy.

A person of legal age if, prior to the adoption, said person has been consistently
considered and treated by the adopter/s as his/her own child since minority.

A child whose adoption has been previously rescinded.

A child whose biological parent/s has died provided that no proceedings shall be
initiated within 6 months from the time of death of the said parent/s.

Know more about Domestic Adoption Law in the Philippines by going to R.A. 8552.

Adoption Requirements in the Philippines

If you are a foster parent or a couple interested to adopt a qualified person, you may
prepare the following documents.

Authenticated Birth Certificate

Authenticated Marriage Certificate

Written consent to the adoption of the legitimate, adopted or illegitimate children

living with the applicant who are aged 10 years old and above.
Health Certificates of Couple and family members

NBI Clearance or Police Clearance

Latest ITR (Income Tax Return) or any proof of income

Three Character References

Statement of Acceptance from Designated Guardian

Latest Family Picture and Home Picture

Home Study Report

Adoption Process in the Philippines

Step by Step Procedure in Adopting:

Attendance to Adoption Counseling

Application

Preparation of Home Study Report

Approval/Disapproval of application

Matching or Family Selection

Pre-placement of the child with the prospective adoptive parents

Placement

Supervised Trial Custody

Finalization of Childs Adoption

Issuance of the Adoption Decree/Certificate of Finality

Issuance of Amended Birth Certificate

Provision of Post-Adoptive Services