Charlize Theron has reportedly wanted to adopt for "a long time".

The 36-year-old star's representative confirmed that she had adopted a baby son, Jackson, yesterday.

A source has revealed that the Oscar-winning actress has always wanted to get involved with the process.

"[Charlize] has been trying to adopt a baby for a long time," a source told People magazine. "[She] has been very patient and has a great attitude. [She] is ecstatic about finally becoming a mom."

This is the first child for the South African-born star. She is single following her split from Stuart Townsend in 2010 after a nine-year relationship.

However, the insider revealed Charlize won't be bringing up baby Jackson on her own and will rely on family members for support.

"Charlize's mom [Gerda] has been helping out with the baby," the source added.

"She seems so happy and will be a great mom."

Charlize's latest movie is Young Adult. While promoting the romantic comedy, the beauty revealed that marriage was "never something that was important [to her]."

"I've been very fortunate enough to be in relationships where I've explained that to my partner and they've been OK with that," she added in an interview with Piers Morgan last year.