The Adoption of James (a pseudonym) [2025] NSWSC 153

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: The Adoption of James (a pseudonym) [2025] NSWSC 153 Hearing dates: On the papers Date of orders: 06 March 2025 Decision date: 06 March 2025 Jurisdiction: Equity - Adoptions List Before: Nixon J Decision: Order for adoption made in favour of stepfather Catchwords: FAMILY LAW AND CHILD WELFARE – Adult adoption – application for adoption by stepfather – whether adoption by stepfather is in the best interests of the adult child – adoption order made – declaration that order does not have effect that mother ceases to be so regarded in law Legislation Cited: Adoption Act 2000 (NSW), Dictionary, ss 8, 24, 26, 27, 30, 52, 54, 87, 90, 95, 101 Cases Cited: Adoption of ESF [2014] NSWSC 687 Re SD and DD [2014] NSWSC 1017 The Adoption of Milo (a pseudonym) [2023] NSWSC 941 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Trent Harry Thompson (Plaintiff) James Sean Thompson (Child) Representation: Solicitor: KMJ Family Law (Plaintiff) File Number(s): 2025/26883

JUDGMENT 1. This proceeding concerns the proposed adoption of an adult, whom I will call James Sean Thompson, who is aged 23, by his stepfather, whom I will call Trent Harry Thompson. James currently lives, and has lived since early childhood, with Trent and his birth mother, whom I will call Annabelle Susan Thompson. For convenience, and without intending any disrespect, I will refer to each of the individuals involved in this matter by his or her first name. 2. By Summons filed on 21 January 2025, Trent seeks an order under the Adoption Act 2000 (NSW) (the Act) for the adoption of James in favour of Trent as the adopting father. 3. The application is supported by affidavits from each of Trent, James and Annabelle, as well as from two character referees.