What does the German law say about adoption?

German law regarding adoption is primarily governed by the Adoption Act (Adoptionsgesetz). It allows for both stepchild adoption and full adoption, requiring that the adoption serves the best interests of the child. Prospective adoptive parents must undergo a thorough evaluation process, including suitability assessments and counseling. Additionally, the consent of the biological parents is generally required, although there are exceptions in cases of parental incapacity or abandonment.