Family › Adoption or guardianship
Want to adopt a child
What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).
Make my own list — free, 2 minutesYour situation
- What are you trying to do? Adopt a child not related to me
Where you stand
- Next step After registration there is a home study, then a referral — the wait can be long.
Do these now
- Register on CARA’s CARINGS portal
The only lawful route for adopting an unrelated child. Where: cara.wcd.gov.in
Papers to gather
- ID and address proof, and photos of the adoptive parents
Required for registration. Where: Aadhaar / passport. - Income proof (salary slips, ITR)
Part of the eligibility check. Where: Employer / IT portal. - Medical fitness certificates
Required by the Adoption Regulations. Where: A registered doctor. - Your birth certificates / age proof
There are age limits by the child’s age. Where: Your records.
You may also need, depending on your answers
- Marriage certificate (if a couple) and consent of the spouse — Couples must adopt jointly with consent.
What the law says
Adoption of orphaned, abandoned or surrendered children, and relative or step-parent adoption, is governed by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Adoption Regulations, 2022; adoption orders are passed by the District Magistrate and applications go through CARA’s CARINGS portal. Hindus may also adopt under the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956. Personal laws of Muslims, Christians and Parsis do not provide for adoption, but anyone can adopt under the JJ Act, or be appointed guardian by a court under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890. Taking a child without this process is illegal and can be treated as trafficking.
General information, not legal advice.
Saboot will also ask
- What is your situation?
- Which personal law applies to you?
Similar situations
- Want to adopt a relative’s child
- Single woman wants to adopt
- Need guardianship of a minor after parents died
- Gave a child informally to relatives — now a dispute
Sources
- Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)
- Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
- NALSA — free legal aid
The full guide: Adoption or guardianship of a child · All situations