Oregon Adoption Laws
By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed November 14, 2024
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Adoption is a wonderful chance to expand your family. But the process can be confusing due to statutory rules. Oregon law specifies who can adopt, who can be adopted, and the procedures involved. These laws apply to all prospective adoptive parents who are Oregon residents.
This article gives comprehensive adoption information to help you better understand the state of Oregon's adoption laws.
Types of Adoption in Oregon
Oregon offers various adoption pathways tailored to different family situations. Each adoption type involves a specific process and requirements.
- Domestic adoption. Pursue adoption in Oregon through licensed adoption agencies or private adoption with the help of attorneys. This includes adopting infants or older children who are residents of Oregon.
- Independent adoption. This involves adopting a child directly from biological parents without agency help.
- Foster care adoption. This gives permanent homes to children in the Oregon foster care system. Foster parents can transition to adopting children who need a stable, permanent family environment.
- Stepparent adoption. This is when a spouse legally adopts their partner's biological child.
- Grandparent adoption. This enables grandparents to adopt their grandchildren, ensuring the child stays in the extended family.
- Open Adoption. This allows ongoing contact between the adoptive family and biological parents.
- International adoption. For those looking to adopt children from abroad, this process requires compliance with both U.S. and foreign adoption laws. International adoption agencies usually manage it and offer adoption services.
Adoption Laws in Oregon: At a Glance
State adoption laws can vary from state to state. It is important to know which regulations apply to where you live. The details of Oregon's adoption statutes are in the chart below.
| Code section | |
|---|---|
| Who may be adopted | Any person; any adult who consents |
| Age that child's consent needed | 14 years of age and older |
| Who may adopt | Any person who is a resident of Oregon for six months and is 21 or older. If the petitioner is married, the spouse must join. They must follow the Indian Child Welfare Act if applicable. |
| Home residency required before finalization of adoption? | Either the adoptive parent, the consenting birth parent, or the person getting adopted must have lived in Oregon for at least six months. |
| State agency/court | Department of Human Services/probate or circuit |
| Statute of limitations to challenge | One year |
Note: 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.
Oregon's Adoption Process and Requirements
Oregon's adoption process involves several important steps to ensure the well-being of the adopted child. Adoptive parents must first undergo a comprehensive home study. Licensed social workers conduct the studies. They include background checks, evaluations of home conditions, and assessments of any history of child abuse.
Following the home study, adoptive parents file an adoption petition and develop an adoption plan. The plan details how parents will meet the child's needs.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) matches children with families and provides a placement report for foster care adoptions. Once a child gets placed with the adoptive family, legal proceedings finalize the adoption. This can include terminating parental rights for birth parents of the adoptee. After the adoption is finalized, the new legal parental rights are established. There are also post-adoption support services available to help the family and the adopted child in their transitions.
Get Legal Help With an Adoption
Adoption can be a complicated process. Many state and federal laws govern it. 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 help with an adoption case, contact an experienced Oregon adoption attorney in your area to schedule a consultation.
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