We had an interesting query this month regarding adoption where a dad wanted to adopt his child to another family member.

Kind of like a formal Whangi agreement. Baby was only 3 weeks old so we suggested he spend more bonding time with the mother (even though separated) and baby to really make sure that is what they wanted. He said the mother was willing to relinquish care of baby but was very upset.

We highlighted the value to baby of breastfeeding and bonding of both parents even though they aren’t together. We recommended discussions with the wider family especially as baby is fortunate to have 4 loving grandparents as well as extended family who all want the best for baby. After discussing with one of our legal contacts. The formal Whangi process begins with an application for day to day care and full guardianship where both biological parents agree to relinquish their rights. We don’t recommend making these types of decisions lightly and it is probably a good idea to seek professional counselling guidance as well as legal advice.