The consent rules form the heart of the stepparent adoption procedure in Rotterdam. Primarily, consent is required from the biological parent with whom the bond is to be severed, the cohabiting parent, and the child from age 12. Without this consent, the Rotterdam court may only dispense with it in cases of gross negligence or unsuitability, in accordance with national legislation.
Procedure in Case of Refusal of Consent in Rotterdam
If the non-cohabiting biological parent refuses, the Rotterdam District Court assesses whether the refusal is in the child's best interests. Criteria include, among others, the duration of contact with the biological parent and possible harm from adoption. In cases of long-term no contact (e.g., 5 years), consent may be dispensed with. In the Rotterdam region, with its diverse port families, this often arises in international divorces.
Role of the Child in Rotterdam Cases
Children from age 12 are heard by the Rotterdam family judge or a family guardian. Their opinion carries significant weight, especially in dynamic neighborhoods like Charlois or Feijenoord. For younger children, a balancing of interests is conducted by the Child Protection Board Rotterdam-Rijnmond, which takes into account the local social context.
Consequences and Statistics for Rotterdam
After obtaining consent, an investigation is initiated by the Child Protection Board Rotterdam. Successful adoption leads to full legal dissolution of the old bond. In 2024, the Rotterdam District Court approved 82% of stepparent adoption requests after strict review, higher than the national average. Families in Rotterdam can turn to the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam or specialized law firms on Coolsingel for tailored advice.