Conditions Relating to the Adoptee for Domestic Adoption in the Light of Polish and Norwegian Law. A Comparative Legal Analysis

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The aim of the article is to present conditions relating to the adoptee for domestic adoption in the light of Polish and Norwegian law, based on a comparative analysis of the collected research data. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: Using the theoretical and dogmatic legal method as well as the method of analysis (and synthesis) of relevant legal provisions, the author compares the legal solutions adopted in Poland and Norway, looking for similarities and differences regarding the issue of conditions relating to the adoptee for domestic adoption. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The author presents similarities and differences in the legal regulations regarding the conditions relating to the adoptee for domestic adoption in the national law of Poland and Norway. RESEARCH RESULTS: The analysis of legal provisions in Polish and Norwegian law regulating the conditions relating to the adoptee for domestic adoption indicates that despite certain differences, both legal systems introduce similar legal solutions. Both regulations in force in Poland and Norway distinguish three basic conditions for adoption relating to the adoptee, which are: exclusive consideration of the best interests of the child; the age of the adoptee and the child’s consent/ the child’s hearing/ the child’s opinion. CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND APPLICABLE VALUE OF RESEARCH: Due to the editorial limitations on the length of the article, the author has limited the analysis to the conditions relating to the adoptee for domestic adoption. In the longer term, the author intends to present a comparative legal analysis of the conditions relating to the adopter(s) and other persons for domestic adoption in force in Polish and Norwegian law. The author wishes also to investigate conditions for intercountry adoptions in both countries and thus provide a more complete picture of the legal conditions of adoption in both countries.