Adoption

Question 1

Who can be adopted

Answer 1

Adults can legally adopt children or other adults

Question 2

Procedure for adoption

Answer 2

1. Consent of biological parents (unless abuse, neglect, abandonment, or termination of rights) *special note: Father of nonmarital child may NOT be needed
2. Investigation of prospective adoptive parents to determine fitness.
3. Adoptive placement for at least 6 months
4. A hearing using the best interests of the child standard

Question 3

Rights of adopted children

Answer 3

Adopted children have the same legal rights as biological children.

Question 4

Deceased biological parents

Answer 4

If biological parents are deceased, the biological family has first preference to adopt.

Question 5

Child over 12

Answer 5

If a child is over 12 years old, they must consent to the adoption. The court can override their non consent if it is in the best interests of the child.