Adoption

Question 1

Define: Adoption

Answer 1

An adoption terminate the legal relationship between biological parents and their child (if not already terminated) and establishes a new legal relationship between parent and child

Question 2

Adoption process

Answer 2

Process - consent of both biological parents generally required

/ unwed father’s consent may not be necessary if he has not assumed parental responsibility
/ BUT an unwed father considered fit to be a parent had a constitutional right to have an opportunity to develop a quality relationship with his infant child

/ Consent of adoptee - may be required for prospective adoptees over a certain age (usually 12 or 14)

Question 3

Withdrawal of biological parent consent

Answer 3

This is not allowed after adoption

/ Before an adoption decree is entered, withdrawal may be allowed if court determines it is in the adoptee’s best interest

Question 4

Payment prohbitied

Answer 4

Most states prohibit adopting parents from paying money to biological parents beyond pregnancy-related medical expenses

/ it is illegal to buy and sell children