Hyväksilähetys

Hyväksilähetys, meaning "adoption by consent" or "consensual adoption" in English, is a Finnish legal term referring to a specific type of adoption process. It is distinct from other adoption methods, such as those involving court decisions, by emphasizing the voluntary agreement of all parties involved. The process primarily concerns the adoption of an adult by another adult, or in some specific circumstances, a child when biological parents give their consent.

In the context of adult adoption, hyväksilähetys is a way to formalize a relationship that already has the characteristics of parentage, such as a long-standing caregiving or familial bond. It requires the consent of both the person to be adopted and the person adopting them. The process is overseen by the authorities to ensure it is genuinely consensual and in the best interests of the parties involved.

For child adoption, hyväksilähetys can occur when the biological parents voluntarily relinquish their parental rights and consent to the adoption. This consent must be well-informed and given freely. While the term emphasizes consent, the process still involves official channels to ensure the legal validity and protections for all involved, particularly the child. The objective is to create a legal parent-child relationship that is recognized and secure.