Step-parent adoption — final adoption order —Adoption Act 1995. The Judge made a final adoption order allowing the applicants, a de-facto couple, to formally adopt the female applicant’s biological son. The applicants had been in a relationship since before the child’s birth. The adopting father was present at birth, was appointed as guardian in 2009 and functioned as a second parent. The couple had two other children together. The child’s biological father was involved in his life until 2009 and had previously applied for contact; he had since opted out of the child’s life and consented to the adoption. The Judge considered the child’s view, which was positive, and believed psychological well-being would be promoted by the adoption. Ordinarily, interim orders are made unless special circumstances exist. The special circumstances in this case were that the applicants were fit and proper people for the adoption, and the extent of the adopting father’s involvement. The Judge was of the view that finality ought to be achieved without delay. **Note: names have been changed to comply with legal requirements.