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Adoption

Adoption forms help establish a legal parent-child relationship through the court. Access attorney-drafted templates designed to make the process smooth, secure, and simple to complete.

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Adoption Agreement between Adult Adoptee and Adoptive Parent with Parties to Jointly Petition Court

Establish a formal adoption relationship between an adult adoptee and their adoptive parent, ensuring legal rights and responsibilities are clearly defined.

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What is Adoption?

Adoption is the legal process of creating a permanent parent-child relationship. These documents transfer parental rights and responsibilities from birth parents to adoptive parents. Select your state to view accurate, attorney-prepared adoption forms that fit your circumstances.

Common Adoption documents

  • Petition for Adoption — Requests court approval to establish a legal parent-child relationship.
  • Consent to Adoption — Written permission from a biological parent or legal guardian.
  • Adoption Agreement — Confirms acceptance of parental rights and duties by the adoptive parent.
  • Final Decree of Adoption — Court order finalizing the adoption and creating legal parenthood.
  • Relinquishment of Parental Rights — Voluntary surrender of a birth parent’s rights.
  • Adoption Home Study Report — Evaluation assessing the suitability of adoptive parents.
  • Adoption Placement Agreement — Records the placement of the child into the adoptive home.

Adoption forms by State

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Similar documents: key differences

  • Adoption vs. Guardianship — Adoption is permanent; guardianship can end or change later.
  • Step-Parent Adoption vs. Independent Adoption — Step-parent involves an existing family; independent is arranged without an agency.
  • Agency Adoption vs. Private Adoption — Agencies coordinate the process; private adoptions are arranged directly between parties.
  • Domestic Adoption vs. International Adoption — Domestic happens within the U.S.; international involves foreign authorities and immigration steps.
  • Adult Adoption vs. Child Adoption — Adult adoption creates a legal family tie between adults; child adoption transfers parental rights.
  • Adoption Order vs. Adoption Decree — Often interchangeable; both finalize legal parenthood through the court.

  • Adoption permanently transfers all parental rights to the adoptive parent.

  • Birth parents usually must consent unless parental rights were previously terminated.

  • Court approval is required to finalize any adoption.

  • Background checks and home studies are standard parts of the process.

  • The final decree of adoption legally changes the child’s status and may include a name change.

  • Adopted children gain the same legal rights as biological children.

  • Adoption records may be open or sealed, depending on the case and state law.

How to get started

Begin confidently with these straightforward steps.

  • Select the adoption form or package that suits your situation.
  • Review the description, preview, and signing or filing details.
  • Get full access with your subscription.
  • Complete your forms easily in the online editor.
  • Export or send — download, email, mail, notarize online, or e-sign (Premium).

Practical tip

When possible, gather all required consents early in the process — it helps prevent delays in finalizing the adoption.

FAQs

It permanently establishes a parent-child relationship, giving the child full legal rights as a family member.

Yes. Adult adoptions often formalize long-term family relationships or inheritance rights.

Foster care is temporary; adoption creates a lifelong legal relationship.

No. Once finalized, all parental rights transfer to the adoptive parent or parents.

Usually yes, unless parental rights have already been legally terminated by a court.

Glossary

  • Adoption — Legal process creating a new parent-child relationship.
  • Petition for Adoption — Formal request to begin adoption proceedings.
  • Consent to Adoption — Birth parent’s written permission for adoption.
  • Relinquishment — Voluntary surrender of parental rights.
  • Final Decree of Adoption — Court’s official order completing adoption.
  • Adoption Agreement — Document accepting full parental responsibility.
  • Home Study — Assessment of the adoptive family’s suitability.
  • Adoption Placement — Transfer of a child to adoptive parents.
  • Agency Adoption — Adoption managed through a licensed organization.
  • Adult Adoption — Adoption between consenting adults to create legal kinship.

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