Overview
There are 2 methods of private adoption:
- Direct placement, spousal/step-parent or relative adoption
- Licensed adoption agencies
The adoption process for a direct placement, spousal/step-parent or relative adoption can take between 2 to 6 months from the time you file your court application until an adoption order is granted.
Direct placement, spousal/step-parent or relative adoption
Use this process if:
- you are interested in adopting the child of a spouse or relative (for example, grandchild, niece, nephew, great niece or nephew)
- there is a privately made agreement to place a child between birth and adoptive families who know each other and are making their own arrangements
Licensed adoption agencies
Use this process if you wish to adopt a child through a private licensed adoption agency in Alberta.
Eligibility
To adopt a child, you must:
- be an Alberta resident
- be at least 18 years old
- demonstrate financial and domestic stability
Cost
Direct placements, spousal/step-parent or relative adoption
If you make the arrangements yourself, you can expect to pay:
- charges for photocopying documents
- fees to obtain some of the documents
- fees to file the documents with the Court
- costs to serve the documents
The fee to file documents with the Court, for one or more children in the family, is approximately $250.00.
If you use the services of a lawyer or a licensed adoption agency to assist you, you will be charged for their services.
Sometimes, you may need to get a Home Study Report. You can expect to pay approximately $3000.00 for a Home Study Report through a licensed adoption agency.
Licensed agency adoptions
Please contact agencies directly to obtain information on licensed agency adoption fees.
How to apply
Step 1. Choose an application process
If you are applying to adopt through direct placement, spousal/step-parent or relative adoption, follow the steps below.
If you want to adopt through a licensed adoption agency, see the list of licensed adoption agencies. You will need to contact the agencies directly.
Step 2. Fill out the Adoption Self-Help Kit
Trouble opening or completing PDF forms?
Fillable forms do not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. To fill in and save this form:
- Click on the PDF link to save it on your computer.
- Launch Adobe Reader.
- Open the PDF from within Adobe Reader. You can now fill and save your form.
Adoption Self-Help Kit (PDF, 556 KB)
The kit provides detailed information on completing the forms and on preparing the supporting documents you will need to include in your Application for Adoption Order.
You can also purchase the kit from the Queen’s Printer.
Step 3. File your application with the Court of Queen’s Bench
Find a Court of Queen’s Bench and file your adoption application there, along with all supporting documents.
You will need to pay the $250 filing fee.
Step 4. Serve notice of your application
You will need to personally serve the Application for Adoption Order to:
- the child’s current guardian(s) other than you
- the biological father of the child
- if you are the sole guardian, the person who was the guardian before you
- the Minister of Alberta Children’s Services, and
- the child, if the child is 12 years old or older
Step 5. Prepare and submit an Affidavit of Service
Affidavit of Personal Service (PDF, 15 KB)
Fill out an affidavit for each person you served.
You must swear your affidavit in front of a Commissioner for Oaths or Notary Public. The clerk of the court may commission your affidavit.
Submit the form to the clerk of the court within 10 days of serving the last person with the notice for the Application for Adoption Order.
After you apply
The clerk of the court will present your Application for Adoption Order to a judge for review.
The Judge may:
- grant an Adoption Order
- request further information
- order that a Home Study Report be prepared
- order a hearing to be held
- dismiss your Application for Adoption Order
You will be notified of the Judge's decision by the court.
Licensed adoption agencies
Adoption Options
Calgary:
#207, 5940 MacLeod Trail SW
Calgary, Alberta T2H 2G4
Phone: 403-270-8228
Toll free: 1-888-277-8228
Email: aocal@adoptionoptions.com
Website: Adoption Options
Edmonton:
#6, 9363 50 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2L5
Phone: 780-433-5656
Toll free: 1-800-770-3023
Email: aoedm@adoptionoptions.com
Website: Adoption Options
AMARIS Adoption and Family Support Services
Calgary:
101C, 9705 Horton Road SW
Calgary, Alberta T2V 2X5
Phone: 403-256-3224
Toll free: 1-877-256-3224
Edmonton:
Phone: 780-438-3455
Toll free: 1-877-256-3224
Email: info@amarisadoption.ab.ca
Website: www.amarisadoption.com
Small Miracles Adoption
Scotia Place, Tower 1
Suite 2020, 10060 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3R8
Phone: 780-421-1177
Email: info@smallmiraclesadoption.com
Website: Small Miracles Adoption
Resources
Legal Advice – Lawyer Referral Service
- Families who are involved in an adoption and require legal information can call toll-free to explain what they need and ask for a lawyer referral:
- 1‑800‑661‑1095
- 403‑228‑1722 (Calgary)
Contact
Connect with Alberta Adoption Services with questions or comments.