Adoption laws historically have varied from state to state, but are becoming more uniform. Adoption laws in most states allow any child and only certain adults to be adopted, while any unmarried adult, unmarried minor parent of adoptee, or married couple may adopt. Additionally, the adoption of Pennsylvania children age 12 and older requires the child’s consent to the adoption. You can learn more by contacting our adoption attorneys. We have offices throughout the entire United States & Puerto Rico. In cases where a married couple want to adopt, both spouses will have to adopt, unless one spouse gives the other consent to adopt alone. Adoptions are very complicated family law issues and warrant the help of our adoption lawyers.
Who Can Be Adopted?
Most states adoption laws do not restrict who may or may not be adopted. This means that adults can be adopted too.
Whose Consent Is Needed For Adoption?
Generally, the birth parents must consent to an adoption. However, there are many circumstances where a child needs to be removed from a home, and make that child available for adoption without the birth parents’ consent. As well, consent is required from any adult who is adopted, and any child age 12 or older.
What is the residency requirement for adoption?
Many states require a period of in state residency before adopting in that state. However, Pennsylvania is one of the few states that does not have a residency requirement. Pennsylvania courts and adoption agencies still have the right to require a temporary placement before the adoption is finalized, though.
Open Vs. Closed Adoptions
Birth parents and adopting parents may be concerned about an adopted child’s rights to get in contact with their birth parents. If the birth parents agree to the contact, the adoption is known as an open adoption. How old the child has to be before contact, and the method of contact allowed may change from case to case. If the birth parents do not consent to the contact, it is called a closed adoption. In this circumstance, some records may be maintained for medical reasons, and to track potential genetic disorders.
Contact Our Adoptions Lawyers
If you would like to know more about your same sex adoption laws, and the rights of both the adopting parents and the birth parents, contact our family law attorneys as they have many years experience handling adoption cases nationwide.