{"id":375512,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:15","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/north-dakota-law\/north-dakota-adoption-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-11-04T14:09:30","modified_gmt":"2024-11-04T19:09:30","slug":"north-dakota-adoption-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-dakota-law\/north-dakota-adoption-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"North Dakota 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\">North Dakota 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\/olivia-wathne-jd\/\">Olivia Wathne, 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 04, 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>Adopting a child can be a complex process. The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/family-laws\/details-on-state-adoption-laws.html\"><u>adoption process<\/u><\/a>, including rules for who may adopt, is governed by state laws. These laws regulate who may be adopted, who may adopt them, and other important statutory requirements for adopting a child in the state of North Dakota. Read on to learn more about North Dakota adoption law,<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Types of Adoption in North Dakota<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>North Dakota offers several adoption options for prospective adoptive parents. These include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>Infant Adoption<\/b><br>\r\nProspective adoptive parents can work with private adoption agencies to adopt infants. Adoptions involving American Indian children are regulated by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/law-and-life\/adoption-whats-the-indian-child-welfare-act\/\">Indian Child Welfare Act<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Identified Adoption<\/b><br>\r\nBirth parents select an adoptive family. A child-placing agency is still involved for legal and support services.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Children with Special Needs<\/b><br>\r\nAdoptive parents can adopt children with <a href=\"https:\/\/aasknd.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">special needs from the foster care system.<\/a> These children are often placed through a child-placing agency under contract with the state. Financial assistance is sometimes available for related costs.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Inter-Country Adoption<\/b><br>\r\nAdopting children from other countries involves navigating complex immigration requirements and significant expenses. A licensed adoption agency is crucial for managing this intricate process.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Relative Adoption<\/b><br>\r\nFamily members such as grandparents or aunts can adopt relatives. In some cases, the court may waive the required home study if the child has lived with the relative for at least nine months.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Stepparent Adoption<\/b><br>\r\nA <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/stepparent-adoption-faq-s.html#:~:text=All%20stepparent%20adoptions%20require%20both,responsibilities%20to%20their%20biological%20child.\">stepparent can adopt<\/a> their spouse\u2019s child with consent from the biological parent or if that parent has abandoned the child. This process does not often require the involvement of a child-placing agency.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>North Dakota Adoption Laws at a Glance<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The following table lists additional details of adoption laws in North Dakota. See FindLaw&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption.html\"><u>Adoption<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;section for more articles and resources.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>North Dakota Adoption Code Sections<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p><b>North Dakota Century Code<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><u>Revised Uniform Adoption Act<\/u><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>NDCC <a href=\"https:\/\/ndlegis.gov\/cencode\/t14c15.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 14-15-01<\/a> (<i>definitions<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li>NDCC <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nd\/title-14-domestic-relations-and-persons\/nd-cent-code-sect-14-15-03\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 14-15-03<\/a> (<i>who may adopt<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li>NDCC <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nd\/title-14-domestic-relations-and-persons\/nd-cent-code-sect-14-15-09\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 14-15-09<\/a> (<i>petition for adoption<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li>NDCC <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nd\/title-14-domestic-relations-and-persons\/nd-cent-code-sect-14-15-14\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 14-15-14<\/a> (<i>effect of petition and decree of adoption<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Who May Be Adopted<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Any person<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Age of Requirement for Child&#8217;s Consent<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>10 years of age and older<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Who May Adopt<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>The following individuals may adopt:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A husband and wife together although one or both are minors<\/li>\r\n<li>An unmarried adult<\/li>\r\n<li>The unmarried father or mother of the individual to be adopted<\/li>\r\n<li>A married individual without the other spouse joining as a petitioner, if the individual to be adopted is not the adopting person&#8217;s spouse, and if:<ul>\r\n<li>The petitioner is a stepparent of the individual to be adopted and the biological or legal parent of the individual to be adopted consents<\/li>\r\n<li>The petitioner and the other spouse are legally separated<\/li>\r\n<li>The failure of the other spouse to join in the petition or to consent to the adoption is excused by the court by reason of prolonged unexplained absence, unavailability, incapacity, or circumstances constituting an unreasonable withholding of consent<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Home Residency Required Prior to Finalization of Adoption<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Six months<\/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:\/\/www.hhs.nd.gov\/cfs\/adoption-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department of Health and Human Services<\/a>\/District<\/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<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i>Note:&nbsp;North Dakota state laws are subject to change through the decisions of higher courts, enactment of new legislation, and other means. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these pages, you also may want to contact a&nbsp;<\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/north-dakota\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>North Dakota adoption law attorney<\/i><\/a><i>&nbsp;or conduct your own legal research to verify current North Dakota law.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>North Dakota\u2019s Adoption Process<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>There are several key steps to know about before starting the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.nd.gov\/cfs\/adoption-program\/steps-adoption\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">adoption process in North Dakota<\/a>. Let&#8217;s go through them together:<\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li><b>Choose an Adoption Agency and Apply<\/b><br>\r\nIn North Dakota, adoptions are managed by licensed private agencies. Begin by attending an orientation at the chosen agency. Fill out and submit your application. You may need to pay a registration fee if accepted.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Understand the Fees<\/b><br>\r\nPrivate adoption fees range from $5,000 to $11,000, with potential subsidies for special needs adoptions. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.nd.gov\/cfs\/fostercare\/foster-care-placements\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Foster care adoptions <\/a>through the Adults Adopting Special Kids (AASK) Program have lower fees.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Undergo a Home Study and Background Checks<\/b><br>\r\nA social worker will perform a detailed adoption assessment, including home visits, background checks, and interviews. This process evaluates your suitability and ensures a safe adoptive home. You\u2019ll also need to provide an affidavit and background checks for all household members over the age of 14.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Prepare for the Waiting Period<\/b><br>\r\nThe wait time for adoption can vary. Adopting an infant may take one to five years. Cases involving the adoption of a child with special needs or from abroad may have different timelines.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Finalize the Adoption<\/b><br>\r\nAfter placement, you\u2019ll need to wait at least six months before the adoption can be finalized in court. You\u2019ll file a petition for adoption. Once approved, you&#8217;ll receive a decree of adoption. This legal process will update the child\u2019s birth record and establish official parental rights.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h2><b>North Dakota Adoption Laws: Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-dakota-law\/north-dakota-family-laws.html\"><u>North Dakota Family Laws<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/who-may-adopt-overview.html\"><u>Who May Adopt: Overview<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/agency-adoptions.html\"><u>Agency Adoptions<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/international-adoption-basics.html\"><u>International Adoption Basics<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/the-different-types-of-adoption.html\">Different Types of Adoption<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>Need Legal Help With an Adoption? An Attorney Can Help<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Navigating the adoption process in North Dakota can be complex. An attorney can provide valuable guidance, help manage paperwork, and ensure all legal aspects, including the petition for adoption and finalization, are properly handled.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you would like legal assistance with an adoption case, reach out to an experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/north-dakota\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">North Dakota&nbsp;<u>adoption attorney<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;in your area to schedule a consultation. Put their experience to work for you and 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                    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