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North Dakota Adoption Laws

Adopting a child can be a complex process. The adoption process, including rules for who may adopt, is governed by state laws. Read on to learn more about North Dakota adoption law, including who may be adopted, who may adopt them, and other important statutory requirements for adopting a child in the state of North Dakota.

 

North Dakota Adoption Laws at a Glance

The following table lists additional details of adoption laws in North Dakota. See FindLaw's Adoption section for more articles and resources.

Code Section 14-15-01, et seq. Revised Uniform Adoption Act
Who May Be Adopted Any person
Age that Child's Consent Needed 10 years and older
Who May Adopt

The following individuals may adopt:

  1. A husband and wife together although one or both are minors.
  2. An unmarried adult.
  3. The unmarried father or mother of the individual to be adopted.
  4. A married individual without the other spouse joining as a petitioner, if the individual to be adopted is not the adopting person's spouse, and if:
  • The petitioner is a stepparent of the individual to be adopted and the biological or legal parent of the individual to be adopted consents;
  • The petitioner and the other spouse are legally separated; or
  • 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.
Home Residency Required Prior to Finalization of Adoption? 6 months
State Agency/Court Human Services/District
Statute of Limitations to Challenge 1 year

Note: State laws are subject to change at any time 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 North Dakota adoption law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Research the Law

North Dakota Adoption Laws: Related Resources

State standards and regulations concerning adoption can be complex and are subject to change. You can visit FindLaw's Adoption Laws section to review some of these laws and get a more general overview in our Adoption section.

Get Legal Help With an Adoption

Adoption can be a complicated process. There are many state and federal laws that govern adoption. An attorney will help you navigate these laws. They will help review your case, provide helpful legal advice, and advocate for you and your future child.

If you would like legal assistance with an adoption case, you can find an experienced North Dakota adoption attorney in your area to schedule a consultation.

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