Dear All, sorry in advance if this topic been covered before. My partner and I are just about to embark on the "mission" of obtaining a spouse visa for her and her 10 year old son for Australia. Very keen to hear any advice/pointers as to how to go about this the BEST way. My partner is presently in Australia on a tourist visa...we are not yet married but intend to soon. Should I adopt her son first to make matters clearer/ many thanks in anticipation.

There is no requirement to officially adopt your stepson. In any case, at least in QLD, it is a requirement that you & stepson must have lived together for 3 years and likely to be a lengthy process.

https://www.qld.gov.au/community/caring-child/adopting-step-child/

The downloadable booklet below provides clear guidance of applying for partner & dependent.

https://www.border.gov.au/FormsAndDocuments/Documents/1127.pdf

Thanks Simple1...appreciate the advice, Tassieman

You will need to provide evidence your wife has custody of the child.