Northern Territory Consolidated Acts Northern Territory Consolidated Acts10. Wishes of child
(1) Subject to this Part, an order for the adoption of a child shall not be made unless the Court is satisfied that, as far as practicable and having regard to the age and understanding of the child, the wishes and feelings of the child have been ascertained and due consideration given to them.
(2) Subject to this Part, an order for the adoption of a child who has attained the age of 12 years shall not be made unless -
(a) the child has consented to the adoption; or
(b) notwithstanding that the child has not consented to the adoption, the Court is satisfied that there are special reasons related to the welfare and interests of the child why the order should be made.
(3) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2)(b), an order for the adoption of a child who, on the date the order is made, has attained the age of 18 years shall not be made unless the child consents to the adoption.