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1. WHAT IS AN ADOPTION?

Adoption is the legal procedure through which a minor is recognized by law as being the son or daughter of the adopting adult(s) and as having all of the rights and duties of such relationship including the right of inheritance. The adoptee takes the name designated by the petitioner.

2. WHO MAY ADOPT?

Any person who is 19 or older. The Adoption Code specifically prohibits discrimination in granting adoptions on the basis of marital status or age.

3. WHO CAN BE ADOPTED?

A minor, defined as being a person under the age of nineteen.

4. WHAT STEPS ARE USUALLY INVOLVED IN AN ADOPTION?

1. Preplacement investigation.
2. All necessary consents and/or relinquishments concerning the adoption are obtained.
3. Guardian ad litem is appointed when either natural parent of the adoptee is a minor or in case of a contested hearing.
4. Petition court for authority to pay fees or expenses.
5. Placement of child with petitioners.
6. File petition for adoption 30 days after placement.
7. Serve notice or obtain waiver of notice on or from all parties entitled to notice of the adoption.
8. Post placement investigation.
9. Hearings.
10. Affidavits of non-payment.
11. Accounting of disbursements.