Just to summarise, I’m looking at sibling adoption here. My…

The Adoption Act 1955 restricts adoption to those under 20-only children may be adopted because adoption orders can only be made for children who are defined in section 2 as "child means a person who is under the age of 20 years; and includes any person in respect of whom an interim order is in force, notwithstanding that the person has attained that age"

So your brother may be adopted but not you

It is clear law-once you are 20 that cannot be done.

The New Zealand courts and Immigration would recognise a foreign adoption order, but you would still need to get a family visa, although as you know, you would qualify as an adopted child. There is a risk Immigration would say this is a device to enable you to avoid the restrictions on family visa other than for children

If you get a Malaysian order then apply under the family visa. The New Zealand Adoption Act is not available however as there are no loopholes

There isnt any way around the New Zealand Adoption Act. You would be a dependent child-this is for ages 21 – 24

• are single
• don’t have any children of their own
• rely on an adult for financial support

This is subject to getting a Malaysian adoption order-but it is indefinate and you could get a student loan when you arrive, are accepted at a university and get the visa

The risk is that Immigration would say the adoption is a device to get around the restrictions. It would take some time-at least 6 months

Sisters cannot use the family policy to bring their brother-it is only parents and children. If you were adopted then you are legally her son. But immigration may see this as a sham. You would need to explain the family circumstances in full detail to say why you have done this

Full details of your family history and what your mother wanted, would be a start

These matters are heard on sworn affidavits and you would not need to go to court

The lawyer in New Zealand who is acting for your sister in the adoption would prepare this, and you would sign in front of a Malaysian lawyer