Commentary on Sections Part 1 – Adoption Chapter 3  - Placement for Adoption and Adoption Orders Section 49: Applications for adoption
145.Section 49 provides that an application for an adoption order may be made by a couple or one person but only if it is made under section 50 or 51 and the condition as to domicile or habitual residence is satisfied.  The term “couple” is defined in section 144.  An application for an adoption order may only be made if the person to be adopted has not reached 18 by the date of the application.