Reducing Legal, Administrative and Financial Barriers Experienced by Unmarried and Low-income Mothers Formalising Legal Relationship with Biological Children

Ms Diana Pang Li Yen asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether the associated legal and administrative processes are unduly onerous for unmarried and lower-income mothers to adopt their own biological children; (b) what support or fee assistance is available for these mothers; and (c) whether the Ministry will introduce a simpler and more affordable pathway for these mothers to do so.

The adoption process is designed to safeguard the child's welfare and applies consistently, including for unmarried mothers seeking to adopt their biological children. The adoption process involves legal and administrative steps that are necessary given the permanent legal implications, such as the termination of the birth father's legal rights and the ability of the child to seek maintenance from that parent under the Women's Charter.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) acknowledges that the adoption process may present challenges for some unmarried mothers, particularly those with limited financial resources. These mothers may get means-tested fee waivers for MSF-administered processes and seek the Legal Aid Bureau's assistance with Court fees and legal costs or choose to represent themselves in Court proceedings.