This information package contains summaries of state laws and links to resources to assist a prospective parent with an adoption. Purchase of this package is a savings of more than 50% over purchase of the informational documents individually!
This package contains the following information:
Who May Adopt, Be Adopted, or Place a Child for Adoption? - This briefing reviews state laws regarding parties to an adoption. General information dealing with who may adopt, who may be adopted, and who may place a child for adoption is identified. In order for an adoption to take place, a person available to be adopted must be placed in the home of a person or persons eligible to adopt. All states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands have laws that specify which persons are eligible as adopting parents and which persons can be adopted.
Standby Guardianship - This fact sheet defines the provisions of most standby guardian laws. Additionally, it broadly defines: how to establish a standby guardian, who can nominate a standby guardian, how the guardian s authority is activated, the involvement of the non-custodial parent, the relationship between authority of the parent and the standby, and withdrawing guardianship.
Placement of Children With Relatives - This publication summarizes state laws and statutes regarding placement of children with relatives when they are removed from their home and enter foster care. In order for states to receive federal payments for foster care and adoption assistance, federal law requires that they "consider giving preference to an adult relative over a nonrelated caregiver when determining placement for a child, provided that the relative caregiver meets all relevant state child protection standards." Most states give preference or priority to relative placements in their statutes. This publication discusses definitions of "relative," financial support for relative placement, and adoption by relatives.
Court Jurisdiction and Venue for Adoption Petitions - This informational guide provides the laws that specify the appropriate state courts, by type and location, for handling adoption petitions.
Consent to Adoption - This informational guide reviews state laws that specify the persons who must consent to a child's adoption, time frames for consent, and guidelines for revocation of consent.
The Rights of Presumed (Putative) Fathers - This publication discusses the rights of the alleged fathers of children born out-of-wedlock and whether states have registries for such fathers.
Online Resources for State Child Welfare Law and Policy - This guide provides links to websites where state statutes and regulations can be accessed and lists the parts of each state and territory's code that contain laws addressing child protection, child welfare, and adoption.
When it comes to adoption, it is crucial to understand that the process is not limited to children or infants; in fact, there are adoption forms specifically designed for adults as well. Adult adoption is a legal process in which a person over the age of 18 is legally adopted by another adult, establishing a familial bond. Adult adoption forms serve as the official documentation required to complete this process. Adult adoption forms are essential to ensure that all legal requirements are met and to provide a clear and formalized record of the adoption. These forms typically include various personal and legal details of both the adopted and the adopting adult, including their names, addresses, birthdates, and social security numbers. The forms also require the specification of the legal relationship between the two parties, clarifying the intent to establish a parent-child relationship. There are different types of adult adoption forms available, each serving specific scenarios or requirements. Some common types include: 1. Direct Adult Adoption Forms: This type of adoption form is used when both parties involved are fully consenting adults and wish to establish a familial relationship, often for personal or emotional reasons. These forms essentially facilitate a legal acknowledgment of the pre-existing bond and serve as a symbolic gesture of the official adoption. 2. Stepparent Adult Adoption Forms: Stepparent adult adoption forms are used when a stepparent intends to legally adopt their spouse's adult child from a previous relationship. These forms typically require the consent of the biological parent and are meant to solidify the parent-child relationship established through marriage. 3. Relative Adult Adoption Forms: Relative adult adoption forms are used when a family member (such as a cousin, aunt, uncle, or adult sibling) wishes to legally adopt another adult family member. Common circumstances for such adoptions include instances where there is a substantial age difference, or when it is deemed necessary for inheritance purposes or to establish caregiver rights. Regardless of the type of adoption form, engaging an attorney experienced in family law is highly recommended ensuring the necessary legal steps are followed correctly. These forms play a vital role in the legal process, providing a formal record of the adult adoption and safeguarding the rights and responsibilities associated with the new familial connection.
