State Adoption Forms

By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq. | Last reviewed June 26, 2023

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.

Adoption is a legal process regulated by state law. As with most legal processes, there are many forms to complete during an adoption.

In an adoption, the biological parents give up their parental rights to the adoptive parents. Before the adoptive parents can become the legal parents of the adopted child, a court must issue a decree of adoption. Each state has its forms to complete during the process.

This article briefly overviews the adoption process and links to different state forms. Be sure to use only the forms for your state. Check with the law library at the local court for additional information. Many courts have self-help centers for family court issues.

Understanding the Adoption Process

The first step of the adoption process is to choose a type of adoption to pursue. Private adoption (also known as independent adoption) is one choice. In a private adoption, the birth parents choose their child's new parents. Even if a private agency is not involved in a private adoption, both parties should have legal representation.

Using an agency is another option. In an agency adoption, an agency matches the adoptive parents with a child. They conduct a home study to vet the parents. Many child-placing agencies help parents throughout the adoption proceedings.

Adoption proceedings begin with a petition for adoption in family court. The clerk of court will update the court's docket to include a new case. After the court issues the decree of adoption, adoptive parents can order a new birth certificate from their local Department of Vital Records. The new birth certificate will include several name changes. The adoptive parent's names replace the birth parent's names on the birth record. The adoptive parents can change the child's name as well. The adoptive parents should request a certified copy for their records.

Once the court proceedings are over and the adoption finalized, the adoptive parents are the legal parent of the child. In most states, the adoption records are then sealed to the public.

State Forms

Here are links to state agencies and adoption forms:

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

  • Adoption (The Judicial Branch of California)

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawai'i

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

  • Adoption Forms (The Supreme Court of Ohio & The Ohio Judicial System)

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Get Help

The adoption process is complex, even with the correct forms and access to various valuable resources. Seek legal advice from a qualified family law attorney with adoption experience.

Was this helpful?

Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

  • It is a good idea to have an attorney for complex adoptions
  • An attorney can ensure you meet all legal requirements and that your adoption is finalized appropriately
  • An attorney can help protect the best interests of adoptive children, adoptive families, and birth parents
  • For simple adoptions, you may be able to do the paperwork on your own or by using an agency

Get tailored advice at any point in the adoption process. Many attorneys offer free consultations.

 Find a local attorney

Helpful Links

Attorney Directory

Don't Forget About Estate Planning

Adopting a child is an ideal time to create or change your estate planning forms. Take the time to add new beneficiaries to your will and name a guardian for any minor children. Consider creating a financial power of attorney so your agent can pay bills and make sure your children are provided for. A health care directive explains your health care decisions and takes the decision-making burden off your children when they become adults.

Start Planning