{"id":373037,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:09","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-adoption-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-11-06T09:47:03","modified_gmt":"2024-11-06T14:47:03","slug":"illinois-adoption-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-adoption-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Illinois 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\">Illinois 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\/melissa-mccall-j-d\/\">Melissa McCall, 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 06, 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>Adoption is a legal process through which the court establishes a legal relationship between the adoptive parent(s) and the adoptee. You have the same rights and responsibilities as a legal parent at the end of this process. Each American state or territory establishes its own adoption laws. Examining the <a href=\"https:\/\/casetext.com\/statute\/illinois-compiled-statutes\/rights-and-remedies\/chapter-750-families\/act-50-adoption-act\/section-750-ilcs-501-effective-112025-text-of-section-from-pa-103-626-definitions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois Adoption Act<\/a> can help to understand adoptions in the state.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Adoption Criteria<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Like many other states, Illinois has adoption criteria you must meet before starting the adoption process. In Illinois, the prospective adoptive parent must meet the following criteria:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Be at least 18 years of age<\/li>\r\n<li>Have no legal disability<\/li>\r\n<li>Lived in Illinois for six months or 90 days for members of the armed forces<\/li>\r\n<li>Be married or single<\/li>\r\n<li>Have the means to raise a child (home and finances)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>Types of Adoptions in Illinois<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Prospective adoptive parents should also decide the type of adoption they should pursue during the early stages of their adoption journey. The State of Illinois offers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cookcountycourt.org\/case-type\/adoptions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">six types of adoptions<\/a> to meet the needs of children and prospective adoptive parents statewide. These adoption types include the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Related adoption<\/li>\r\n<li>Agency adoption and agency-assisted adoptions<\/li>\r\n<li>Private adoption<\/li>\r\n<li>Adult adoption<\/li>\r\n<li>International adoption<\/li>\r\n<li>Stepparent adoption<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><b>Related Adoption<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>In related adoptions, one or both of the prospective adoptive parents have a relationship with the child through one of the following means:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Biological<\/li>\r\n<li>Through marriage<\/li>\r\n<li>Through adoption<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>In this scenario, the adoptive parents should be one of the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Parent\/stepparent<\/li>\r\n<li>Grandparent\/step-grandparent<\/li>\r\n<li>Sibling\/step-sibling<\/li>\r\n<li>Uncle\/great uncle<\/li>\r\n<li>Aunt\/great aunt<\/li>\r\n<li>First cousin<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><b>Agency and agency-related adoptions<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>In an agency adoption, the <a href=\"https:\/\/dcfs.illinois.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois Department and Family Services (DCFS)<\/a> or a private adoption agency place the child with an adoptive family. In agency-related adoptions, the adoptive parents match with a birth mother on their own, and an Illinois adoption agency helps them complete the adoption.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Private Adoption<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>In private adoptions, the adoptive parents receive the child from the birth parents. Some birth parents include parents during the birth of the child. The adoptive parents may need to pay the medical costs for the birth mother.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Adult Adoption<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>Under Illinois law, the minimum age for the prospective adult adoptee is 18 years of age. They should either:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Be related to the adopting parents<\/li>\r\n<li>Have lived with the adopting parents for at least two years<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The adoptee&#8217;s biological parents do not have to consent.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>International Adoptions<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>In international adoptions, a child is adopted from a foreign country. That country&#8217;s adoption laws must be followed. Once in Illinois, you can re-adopt the child through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.childwelfare.gov\/resources\/state-recognition-intercountry-adoptions-finalized-abroad-illinois\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Confirmation of Foreign Adoption<\/a> procedure.<\/p>\r\n<p>You must complete a petition for adoption to confirm your international adoption in Illinois. If you want to change your child&#8217;s name, you can do so during this process, and the State of Illinois will issue a Record of Foreign Birth that will serve as a birth certificate.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Stepparent Adoption<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>In stepparent adoptions, the stepparent adopts their spouse&#8217;s child. The following criteria apply to stepparent adoptions:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The adopting parent and prospective adoptee&#8217;s legal parent have a legal marriage<\/li>\r\n<li>If the child is over 14 years of age, they must consent to the adoption<\/li>\r\n<li>Termination of the biological father&#8217;s parental rights<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>Illinois Putative Father Registry<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.putativefather.org\/index.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois Putative Father Registry<\/a> can help the adoptive parent locate the child&#8217;s birth father. According to the registry, a putative father is a man who may be the child&#8217;s biological father, but who is not married to the child&#8217;s mother on or before the date of the child&#8217;s birth and has not established his paternity through legal proceedings.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Illinois Adoption Process Overview<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Once you determine the type of adoption you wish to pursue, your next step is to reach out to the appropriate child-placing agency. If you want to adopt outside the foster care system, you should contact the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.childwelfare.gov\/resources\/adoption-and-guardianship-assistance-illinois\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois Child Welfare Agency<\/a> or the <a href=\"https:\/\/dcfs.illinois.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department of Children and Family Services<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>You will likely attend an information hearing and undergo vetting before the agency places a child in your home. This vetting often includes a criminal background check and an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/home-study-for-adoption-faq.html\">initial home study<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>The official adoption process begins when you file a petition for adoption. This opens your adoption case. The court will schedule an adoption hearing. At this adoption proceeding, the court will ask you questions designed to help the court determine if placement with you is in the best interests of the child.<\/p>\r\n<p>Depending on the timing of your petition, the court may order a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/home-study-for-adoption-faq.html\">separate home study<\/a>. The court will then schedule a finalization hearing to complete the adoption. At this hearing, the court will issue a final adoption decree and a new birth certificate listing you as the child&#8217;s parents.<\/p>\r\n<p>You don&#8217;t just assume permanent custody of the child with the adoption decree. You also assume all parental responsibilities for the adopted child and new member of your family.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Illinois Adoption Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The table below offers some highlights of Illinois adoption laws.<br>\r\n<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Illinois Adoption Code Sections<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p><b>Illinois Compiled Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><u>Act 50 &#8211; Adoption Act<\/u><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/casetext.com\/statute\/illinois-compiled-statutes\/rights-and-remedies\/chapter-750-families\/act-50-adoption-act\/section-750-ilcs-501-effective-112025-text-of-section-from-pa-103-941-definitions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">750 ILCS 50\/1<\/a> (<i>definitions &#8211; effective 1\/1\/2025<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/casetext.com\/statute\/illinois-compiled-statutes\/rights-and-remedies\/chapter-750-families\/act-50-adoption-act\/section-750-ilcs-502-who-may-adopt-a-child\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">750 ILCS 50\/2<\/a> (<i>who may adopt a child<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-50-5\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">750 ILCS 50\/5<\/a> (<i>petition, contents, verification, filing<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Whom You May Adopt<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><div>&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Any child or any adult residing in the home for two years<\/li>\r\n<li>A relative<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Age at Which the Consent of the Child Is Required<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>14 years and older<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Who May Adopt and Other Illinois Adoption Requirements<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li>Any reputable person of legal age who has resided continually in Illinois for at least six months<\/li>\r\n<li>Residency requirements may be waived when:<ul>\r\n<li>Adopting a related child<\/li>\r\n<li>Adopting a child through an IL-licensed adoption agency<\/li>\r\n<li>Adopting a child born in IL and who lived in IL continuously since birth<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li>The spouse must join the petition if the petitioner is in a marriage or a civil union<\/li>\r\n<li>Minor may also petition by leave of court upon good cause shown<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p><b>Home Residency Requirement Before the Finalization of Adoption<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Six months unless waived by the court<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>State Agency\/Court<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/dcfs.illinois.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department of Children and Family Services<\/a>\/Circuit Court<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Statute of Limitations to Challenge<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>One year after entry of an order<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i><b>Note<\/b>:&nbsp;Illinois state laws change often. To verify current Illinois adoption laws, speak with <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>an adoption attorney<\/i><\/a><i>.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2>Get Legal Help<\/h2>\r\n<p>Adoptions are individual and specific to the parties pursuing an adoption. Anyone considering adopting in Illinois should speak to an Illinois adoption attorney. They are experts in family law and can give you sound legal advice. Speak to an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois adoption attorney<\/a> for help with expanding your family.<\/p>\r\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                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/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                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 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 class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        \n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state.html\">\n                        Find Your State&#8217;s Laws\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/all-topics.html\">\n                        View All State Law Topics\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/statutes-of-limitations.html\">\n                        State Statutes of Limitations\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Popular Directory Searches<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Adoption Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/child-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Child Support Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/same-sex\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Same Sex Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/fathers-rights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Father&#8217;s Rights Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/divorce\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Divorce Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/custody-visitation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Custody and Visitation Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding the legal hurdles involved when trying to adopt a child in Illinois can be challenging. Learn the details about Illinois adoption laws and much more at FindLaw&#8217;s legal primer on adoption.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":373025,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2743],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[2902],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-373037","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-state","state_laws_tags-statelaws_14_2"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/373037","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=373037"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/373037\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/373025"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=373037"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=373037"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=373037"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=373037"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=373037"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}