{"id":372484,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:53","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/family-laws\/details-on-state-adoption-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-11-18T16:20:05","modified_gmt":"2024-11-18T21:20:05","slug":"details-on-state-adoption-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/family-laws\/details-on-state-adoption-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Details on State Adoption Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Details on State Adoption Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/susan-buckner-j-d\/\">Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            November 18, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>State laws on adoption vary in each jurisdiction. States regulate adoption services, monitor foster care services and adoptions, and legalize the adoption process.<\/p>\n<p>To protect children from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/human-trafficking-and-slavery.html\">child trafficking<\/a> and other crimes, all states must follow federal and international laws. Adoptions in all states follow similar procedures to screen prospective adoptive parents and protect the rights of the birth parents.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Adoption Process<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>In all states, the adoption process begins when the biological parent or parents wish to surrender their child for adoption. There is a legal procedure for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/parental-rights-and-liability\/termination-of-parental-rights.html\">termination of parental rights<\/a> that must happen before any adoption can happen. State laws have some variations on these steps:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The birth mother must wait before surrendering her parental rights. The waiting period can be several hours or up to four days. The waiting period ensures she understands the implications of relinquishing her rights.<\/li>\n<li>The birth father must know of the baby&#8217;s birth and must terminate his rights in a separate hearing. The birth mother can&#8217;t terminate the father&#8217;s rights. If the father is unknown or can&#8217;t be found, the mother or adoption agency must make reasonable efforts to locate him.<\/li>\n<li>The adoptive agency does at least one <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/home-study-for-adoption-faq.html\">adoption home study<\/a><b> <\/b>before adoption. Some states have specific requirements for adoptive households, such as a separate bedroom for the adoptive child.<\/li>\n<li>Most states have a second waiting period, this one for the family. The child must live with the adoptive family for six months to a year before the judge signs the final adoption order.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Types of Adoptions<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Adoptions fall into several categories. In a few states, the state handles all adoptions through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/foster-care.html\">foster care system<\/a>. In these states, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/agency-adoptions.html\">private adoption agencies<\/a> may contract through the state and carry out home studies. Foster care adoption is available in all states.<\/p>\n<p>In other states, private agencies handle all adoptions, and adoptive families only go to court for the final adoption hearing. In agency adoptions, the agency staff does the extra work of filing court paperwork, matching adoptive parents and a birth family, and dealing with any legal issues.<\/p>\n<p>In an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/independent-adoption.html\">independent adoption<\/a>,<b> <\/b>the parties contract with each other without using an agency. This method avoids agency fees but often requires an attorney (or two, to prevent conflicts of interest) to handle the legal paperwork. Some states do not allow non-agency adoptions. All states require a court hearing to finalize the adoption.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Open vs. Closed Adoption<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/faq-about-open-adoptions.html\">Open adoptions<\/a> allow the adoptive family and the birth parents \u2014 usually but not always the birth mother \u2014 to maintain contact with one another during the child&#8217;s life. Forty states allow some form of open adoption. Proponents of open adoption say children tend to do better in open adoptions and have less anxiety about the adoptive relationship.<\/p>\n<p>Closed adoptions seal all adoption records and sever contact between the families once the adoption is finalized. Ten states have closed adoptions. In some states, the adoptive child may access the documents when they reach 18, but laws vary even in closed-adoption states.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Domestic and International Adoption Laws<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>All domestic adoptions must conform to the<b> <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/aphsa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/ICPC-FAQs.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children<\/a> (ICPC). This multi-state agreement governs the placement of children between states. A social worker or adoption agency in the requesting state creates a placement packet for the child and forwards it to the ICPC office in the adoptive state. That office sends the packet to the appropriate agency (foster care, adoption agency, or adoption attorney) to begin the home study and other adoption procedures.<\/p>\n<p>If the adoptive state approves the adoption, it returns the packet to the requesting state. That state reviews and approves the adoption based on its requirements. Adoption agencies have no authority outside of their own state. This cumbersome process ensures that children have appropriate placement wherever they go.<\/p>\n<p>International adoption has become increasingly popular with American couples. All international adoptions must obey the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hcch.net\/en\/instruments\/conventions\/full-text\/?cid=69\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hague Convention<\/a> on International Adoption. American adoptions of children from other nations are like interstate adoptions, but there are more steps for overseas adoptions. Such adoptions always need attorneys and adoption agencies on both sides of the arrangement.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bia.gov\/bia\/ois\/dhs\/icwa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indian Child Welfare Act<\/a> (ICWA) is a federal law that gives a Native American child&#8217;s tribal government final authority over any off-reservation placement for foster care or adoption. All states must contact the child&#8217;s tribal authority in any emergency removal or placement, and the tribal government has precedence in determining any such placement.<\/p>\n<h3><b>The Uniform Adoption Act<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>A need for uniformity in adoption laws led to the &quot;<a href=\"https:\/\/cwlibrary.childwelfare.gov\/discovery\/fulldisplay?docid=alma991000533339707651&amp;context=L&amp;vid=01CWIG_INST:01CWIG&amp;lang=en&amp;search_scope=PublicCat&amp;adaptor=Local%20Search%20Engine&amp;tab=catalog&amp;query=title,exact,Future%20of%20Children,%20,AND&amp;mode=advanced&amp;offset=30\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Uniform Adoption Act<\/a>.&quot; Five states (Alaska, Arkansas, Montana, North Dakota, and Ohio) adopted a version of a model in 1969. Vermont adopted a revised version in 1994.<\/p>\n<p>The issue in creating a &quot;Uniform Adoption Act&quot; is finding language that meets all states&#8217; social, financial, and other needs. The current version allows open adoption; some states oppose such adoptions. The law allows a birth mother to relinquish a child without the birth father&#8217;s knowledge or consent and limits the father&#8217;s ability to contest the adoption.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Other State Adoption Laws and Rules<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Most states require older children to consent to their own adoption, although the child may refuse if they wish. The age limit is around 12-14, although some states allow children as young as 10 to consent. Many states have laws prohibiting the separation of siblings during adoptions.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Same-Sex Adoption<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>With the U.S. Supreme Court&#8217;s ruling in <a href=\"https:\/\/supreme.findlaw.com\/supreme-court-insights\/obergefell-v-hodges-case-summary-and-significance.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Obergefell v. Hodges<\/i><\/a><i>, <\/i>same-sex couples theoretically became entitled to the same rights and privileges as other couples. But in cases of adoption, state laws supersede federal rulings. Although federal laws allow <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lgbtmap.org\/equality-maps\/foster_and_adoption_laws\/adoption\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">same-sex adoption<\/a>, only 28 states have laws or have amended their state constitutions to allow such adoptions. Fourteen states allow state-licensed adoption facilities to place children and provide services to LGBTQ+ families if doing so conflicts with their religious beliefs.<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">State<\/th>\n<th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Code section<\/th>\n<th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Open adoptions<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align: left;\">Statute of limitations<\/th>\n<th>Age of child for consent<\/th>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-adoption-laws.html\">Alabama<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/al\/title-26-infants-and-incompetents\/al-code-sect-26-10a-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Code of Alabama 26-10A-1, et seq<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alaska-law\/alaska-adoption-laws.html\">Alaska<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ak\/title-25-marital-and-domestic-relations\/ak-st-sect-25-23-010\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alaska Statutes 25.23.010<\/a> et seq.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>10 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/arizona-law\/arizona-adoption-laws.html\">Arizona<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.azleg.gov\/arsDetail\/?title=8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(ARS) 8-101 to 8-145<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>&nbsp;Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/arkansas-law\/arkansas-adoption-laws.html\">Arkansas<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ar\/title-9-family-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Title 9 of the Arkansas Code<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>10 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-adoption-laws.html\">California<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ca\/family-code\/fam-sect-8600\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Code. Fam. Law Section 8600<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<p>Fraud: three years<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/colorado-law\/colorado-adoption-laws.html\">Colorado<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/co\/title-19-childrens-code\/co-rev-st-sect-19-5-100-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CRS 19-5-100 et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>90 days<\/p>\n<p>Fraud: one year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-adoption-laws.html\">Connecticut<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>Con. Gen. Stat. <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ct\/title-45a-probate-courts-and-procedure\/ct-gen-st-sect-45a-706.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 45a-706 et seq.<\/a><\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>None specified, 90-day appeal<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/delaware-law\/delaware-adoption-laws.html\">Delaware<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Del. Code <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/de\/title-13-domestic-relations\/de-code-sect-13-902-nr3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tit. 13, \u00a7 901 et. seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-adoption-laws.html\">District of Columbia<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/dc\/division-ii-judiciary-and-judicial-procedure\/dc-code-sect-16-301.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 16-301<\/a>, et seq<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/florida-law\/florida-adoption-laws.html\">Florida<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/fl\/title-vi-civil-practice-and-procedure\/fl-st-sect-63-022\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fla. Stat. Section 63.022<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/georgia-law\/georgia-adoption-laws.html\">Georgia<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ga\/title-19-domestic-relations\/ga-code-sect-19-8-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GA Code \u00a7 19-8-1 et seq<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/hawaii-law\/hawaii-adoption-laws.html\">Hawaii<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/hi\/division-3-property-family\/hi-rev-st-sect-578-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HRS \u00a7 578-1 et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>No<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>10 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/idaho-law\/idaho-adoption-laws.html\">Idaho<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/id\/title-16-juvenile-proceedings\/id-st-sect-16-1501\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Idaho Stat. \u00a7 16-1501 et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>No<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-adoption-laws.html\">Illinois<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-50-0-01.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ILCS \u00a7 50\/0.01 et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>No<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/indiana-law\/indiana-adoption-laws.html\">Indiana<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/in\/title-31-family-law-and-juvenile-law\/in-code-sect-31-19-2-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indiana Code Section 31-19-2-2<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Six months after decree; one year after custody<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/iowa-law\/iowa-adoption-laws.html\">Iowa<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ia\/title-xv-judicial-branch-and-judicial-procedures-chs-595-686\/ia-code-sect-600-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Iowa Code 600.1, et seq<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>No<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>None specified<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/kansas-law\/kansas-adoption-laws.html\">Kansas<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ks\/chapter-59-probate-code\/ks-st-sect-59-2111\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">K.S.A. 59-2111 et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>No<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>None specified<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/kentucky-law\/kentucky-adoption-laws.html\">Kentucky<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ky\/title-xvii-economic-security-and-public-welfare\/ky-rev-st-sect-199-470\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">K.R.S. Section 199.470<\/a>&nbsp;et seq.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>No<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/louisiana-law\/louisiana-adoption-laws.html\">Louisiana<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/la\/childrens-code\/la-ch-code-tit-xii-art-1169\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LA CH Code Tit. XII, Art. 1167<\/a> et seq.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maine-law\/maine-adoption-laws.html\">Maine<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/me\/title-18-c-probate-code\/me-rev-st-tit-18-c-sect-9-101.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maine Rev. Stat. 18-C \u00a7 9-101 et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>No<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-adoption-laws.html\">Maryland<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/family-law\/md-code-family-sect-5-301.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MD Fam. Code \u00a75-301, et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>10 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-adoption-laws.html\">Massachusetts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-ii-real-and-personal-property-and-domestic-relations-ch-183-210\/ma-gen-laws-ch-210-sect-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ch. 210 of the&nbsp;Massachusetts Code<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>120 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-adoption-laws.html\">Michigan<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mi\/chapters-701-to-713-probate-code\/mi-comp-laws-710-21\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chapter 710 Probate Code \u00a7 710.21 et seq<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>No<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/minnesota-law\/minnesota-adoption-laws.html\">Minnesota<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mn\/public-welfare-and-related-activities-ch-245-267\/mn-st-sect-259-20.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chapter 259&nbsp; \u00a7 259.20 et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>20 days of final adoption<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/mississippi-law\/mississippi-adoption-laws.html\">Mississippi<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ms\/title-93-domestic-relations\/ms-code-sect-93-17-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Code \u00a7 93-17-3<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>No<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-adoption-laws.html\">Missouri<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mo\/title-xxx-domestic-relations\/mo-rev-st-453-010\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Title XXX \u00a7 453.010<\/a> et seq.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/montana-law\/montana-adoption-laws.html\">Montana<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mt\/title-42-adoption\/mt-code-ann-sect-42-1-101.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Title 41 \u00a7 42-1-101 et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>None specified<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/nebraska-law\/nebraska-adoption-laws.html\">Nebraska<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ne\/chapter-43-infants-and-juveniles\/ne-rev-st-sect-43-101.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NRS \u00a7 43-101 et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Two years<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/nevada-law\/nevada-adoption-laws.html\">Nevada<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nv\/title-11-domestic-relations\/nv-rev-st-127-005\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NRS Title 11 \u00a7 127.005 et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>None specified<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-hampshire-law\/new-hampshire-adoption-laws.html\">New Hampshire<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/new-hampshire\/title-xii\/chapter-170-b\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RSA 170-B et seq<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>No<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-adoption-laws.html\">New Jersey<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nj\/title-9-children-juvenile-and-domestic-relations-courts\/nj-st-sect-9-3-37\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NJ Stat. 9 \u00a7 3-37 et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>120 days for birth father<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>10 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-mexico-law\/new-mexico-adoption-laws.html\">New Mexico<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nm\/chapter-32a-childrens-code\/nm-st-sect-32a-5-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Children&#8217;s Code \u00a7 32A-5-1 et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-york-law\/new-york-adoption-laws.html\">New York<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ny\/domestic-relations-law\/dom-sect-109\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Domestic Relations Law \u00a7 109<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>None specified; 45 days to revoke consent<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-adoption-laws.html\">North Carolina<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nc\/chapter-48-adoptions\/nc-gen-st-sect-48-1-101\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NCGS \u00a7 48-1-101<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-dakota-law\/north-dakota-adoption-laws.html\">North Dakota<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>NDCC&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ndlegis.gov\/cencode\/t14c15.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 14-15-01<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>10 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-adoption-laws.html\">Ohio<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/oh\/title-xxxi-domestic-relations-children\/oh-rev-code-sect-3107-01.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ORC \u00a7 3107.01, et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/oklahoma-law\/oklahoma-adoption-laws.html\">Oklahoma<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oscn.net\/applications\/oscn\/deliverdocument.asp?lookup=Previous&amp;listorder=115000&amp;dbCode=STOKST10&amp;year=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OK. Stat. Tit. 10 Section 7501-1.3<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/oregon-law\/oregon-adoption-laws.html\">Oregon<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/or\/title-11-domestic-relations\/or-rev-st-sect-109-305\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ORS \u00a7 109.305 et seq<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-adoption-laws.html\">Pennsylvania<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/pa\/title-23-pacsa-domestic-relations\/pa-csa-sect-23-2701\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">23 Pa. C.S. Section 2701<\/a> et seq.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>60 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-adoption-laws.html\">Rhode Island<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>RI Gen. Laws <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ri\/title-15-domestic-relations\/ri-gen-laws-sect-15-7-2.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 15-7-2, et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>180 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/south-carolina-law\/south-carolina-adoption-laws.html\">South Carolina<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scstatehouse.gov\/code\/t63c009.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Carolina Code Title 63: Children&#8217;s Code, Chapter 9<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>None. Judge may allow in cases of fraud.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/south-dakota-law\/south-dakota-adoption-laws.html\">South Dakota<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/sdlegislature.gov\/Statutes\/25-6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">S.D. Codified Laws Ch. 25-6<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/tennessee-law\/tennessee-adoption-laws.html\">Tennessee<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>TN Code&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/tn\/title-36-domestic-relations\/tn-code-sect-36-1-101.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 36-1-101<\/a>, et seq.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/texas-law\/texas-adoption-laws.html\">Texas<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Texas Family Code <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/tx\/family-code\/fam-sect-162-001\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 162.001 et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/utah-law\/utah-adoption-laws.html\">Utah<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ut\/title-78b-judicial-code\/ut-code-sect-78b-6-101\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Utah Code \u00a7 78B-6-101 et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>None.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/vermont-law\/vermont-adoption-laws.html\">Vermont<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Title 15A <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/vt\/title-15-a-adoption-act\/vt-st-tit-15a-sect-1-101.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a71-101, et seq<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>No<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-adoption-laws.html\">Virginia<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/va\/title-63-2-welfare-social-services\/va-code-sect-63-2-1100\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Va. Code Section 63.2-1100<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/washington-adoption-laws.html\">Washington<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>WRC&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/wa\/title-26-domestic-relations\/wa-rev-code-26-33-010\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 26.33.010<\/a> et seq.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/west-virginia-law\/west-virginia-adoption-laws.html\">West Virginia<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>West Virginia Code <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/wv\/chapter-48-domestic-relations\/wv-code-sect-48-22-101.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 48-22-101et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>12 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/wisconsin-law\/wisconsin-adoption-laws.html\">Wisconsin<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/wi\/social-services-ch-46-to-58\/wi-st-48-81\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wis. Stat. Section 48.81<\/a> et seq.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>40 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Not required<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/wyoming-law\/wyoming-adoption-laws.html\">Wyoming<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Wyo. Stat. <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/wy\/title-1-code-of-civil-procedure\/wy-st-sect-1-22-101.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 1-22-101 et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>None. Judge may allow for cases of fraud<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td><p>14 and over<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n<p><i><b>Note:<\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\n<h2><b>Get Legal Advice if You&#8217;re Considering Adoption<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>You&#8217;ll have to appear in court at least once to finalize an adoption in all states. This is true whether you adopt a foster child, have an agency do the paperwork, or work with an adoption attorney. Your adoption must follow family law in your state, and you need an attorney&#8217;s advice to navigate that successfully. In some places, you qualify for financial help during the adoption process. Contact an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">adoption attorney<\/a> in your area for more information and advice.<\/p>\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    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19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div 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