{"id":372059,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:40","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-adoption-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-09-24T10:53:11","modified_gmt":"2024-09-24T15:53:11","slug":"connecticut-adoption-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-adoption-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Connecticut Adoption Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Connecticut Adoption Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. 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<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Adoption is a legal process, primarily governed by state laws, to expand or grow your family. If you or your family want to adopt a minor child, you should know your state’s adoption laws. Understanding your state’s adoption laws will help you throughout the adoption process. These laws apply to different types of adoption, including stepparent adoption or adopting a person over 18 years of age.<\/p>\r\n

This FindLaw article briefly summarizes adoption laws in the State of Connecticut.<\/p>\r\n

Understanding The Adoption Process<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Although each adoption is specific to the adoptive family and their home state, all adoptions have standard elements \u2014 for example, the parties. Most adoptions include the birth parents, the adoptee, and the adoptive parents. This is true even if the adoptee is in foster care. During most adoption proceedings, the court must terminate the biological parent’s parental rights. This clears the way to change the child’s birth certificate.<\/p>\r\n

Adoption Process Steps<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

One of the first steps in the adoption process is to find a child to adopt. Many prospective adoptive parents use the services of an adoption agency to match them with an eligible child. They can also go through their local Department of Children and Families to adopt a foster child. In Connecticut, prospective adoptive parents should contact the Connecticut Department of Children and Families<\/a> for state-specific adoption resources, including support groups.<\/p>\r\n

The next step for the child-placing agency is to conduct a background check and home study to help ensure a good fit for the potential adoptee. Once you have found a prospective adoptee, you will likely start the legal process by filing an adoption agreement. In Connecticut, the adoption agreement is like an adoption petition. Both are legal documents that trigger the legal process. Connecticut children 12 and older must consent to their adoption by signing the adoption agreement.<\/p>\r\n

Adoption Agreement<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

You can only permanently adopt a child once a court determines that the adoption is in the best interests of the child<\/a>. Once the court makes this determination, the next step is terminating parental rights. In some scenarios, the birth parents will voluntarily relinquish their parental rights. In other scenarios, the birth mother or birth father may refuse to terminate their rights. In these scenarios, the court may terminate their rights after a hearing.<\/p>\r\n

Adoptive Parent Requirements<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Prospective adoptive parents in Connecticut must be at least 21 years old, and marital status is not restricted. They should also have enough income to raise a child and a home with at least two bedrooms.<\/p>\r\n

Adoption Costs<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

You can adopt a child out of foster care for free in Connecticut. Adoption agencies typically charge between $20,000 and $45,00 for their adoption services. Prospective adoptive parents can’t<\/a> pay for more than $1,500 in living expenses for the birth mother in Connecticut.<\/p>\r\n

Adoption Statutes in Connecticut<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Each state has its adoption laws. Below are some of the highlights of Connecticut adoption laws from Chapter 803 of the Connecticut General Statutes. These statutes cover the following:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Code section<\/th>\r\n\u00a7 45a-724 to 765 of the Connecticut General Statutes<\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Who may be adopted<\/th>\r\nAny person (except between persons over the age of majority, the adoptee’s spouse must consent)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Age that child’s consent needed<\/th>\r\n12 and older<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Who may adopt<\/th>\r\nMarried people must join adoption unless the court finds reason for nonjoinder.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Home residency required before finalization of adoption?<\/th>\r\nNo<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
State agency\/court<\/th>\r\nChildren and youth services\/probate court<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Statute of limitations to challenge<\/th>\r\nNot specified<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: State laws are constantly changing \u2014 conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Related Resources for Connecticut Adoption Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The applicable state law can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of your adoption. You can review specific statutes in FindLaw’s adoption law<\/a> section.<\/p>\r\n

Get Legal Help<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Adoption is a complicated legal process. An adoption attorney can help you navigate the complex laws governing adoptions and the adoption process. Speak to a qualified Connecticut adoption attorney<\/a> today.<\/p>\r\n

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