Step-parent adoptions are now rare in Tasmania. The Adoption Act 1988 only allows for step-parent adoptions in circumstances where:
- an order for custody or guardianship would not make adequate provision for the welfare and interests of the child
- an adoption order would better serve the welfare and interests of the child
- there are special circumstances to warrant the making of an adoption order, and
- the welfare and interests of the child will be promoted by adoption.
In most cases it is possible to provide legal security for step-children through the Family Court of Australia. The Family Court has capacity to grant orders for custody or guardianship of children to step-parents. In most cases a Family Court order will make adequate provision for the welfare and interests of the child. An adoption order, which servers all ties between a child and their birth family, is unnecessary and inappropriate in most step-parent cases.