What to do if you want to take up the adoption process in special cases

A cohabiting couple who wants to initiate the procedure to have one of the partners adopt the other's child, must follow these steps:1.Legal consultation: contact a lawyer experienced in family law and adoptions, who evaluates the case and collects the necessary documents.2.Judicial procedure: submit a formal request for adoption to the Juvenile Court in special cases (ex art. 44, paragraph 1, letter d L.184/1983) indicating the existing emotional relationship with the child. 3.Consent of the biological parent: it is required to sign a act of consent to the adoption process, by the legal parent.4.Evaluation of the Court: an in-depth investigation is carried out on: -The emotional, educational, psychological and economic suitability of the applicant; -The family and housing context; -The best interests of the child as a guiding criterion.Decision: the judge decides on a case-by-case basis, without automation; may authorize or reject the adoption.Essential regulatory reference-Art. 44, letter d) L. 184/1983: provides for the possibility of child adoption if there is a consolidated emotional bond with the child And impossibility of pre-adoptive custody - Cassation ruling no. 12962/2016: confirms the legitimacy of the adoption of the partner's child in stable cohabiting homosexual couples