27Adoption by one person

#### 27 Adoption by one person 27 Adoption by one person (cf AC Act ss 8, 19 (2) and (3), 20, 21 (1) (c) (i) (a)) > > (1) Basic requirements One person may, subject to this Act, adopt a child only if the person is— > > > > > (a) resident or domiciled in the State, and > > > > > (b) of good repute and a fit and proper person to fulfil the responsibilities of a parent. > > > (2) Age requirements The Court must not make an adoption order in favour of one person who is not a birth parent or relative of the child unless— > > > > > (a) the person is 21 or more years of age and 18 or more years older than the child, or > > > > > (b) the Court considers that in the particular circumstances of the case it is desirable to make the order even though the person does not fulfil the age requirements. > > > (3) Consent of spouse The Court must not make an adoption order in favour of one person who is living with a spouse unless the person’s spouse consents in writing to the application for the adoption order. > > Note— > > Spouse is defined in the Dictionary.