Everyone involved experiences a tremendous shift in their lives when they decide to adopt a child. The adoption procedure is governed by state law, which covers everything from the most fundamental issues (such as who can adopt and who is eligible to be adopted) to more intricate topics (such as when permission is required in an adoption).
Even if an attorney’s assistance is recommended when interpreting the pertinent legislation that regulate adoption, it is always beneficial to familiarize yourself with the law by reading a plain English overview.
Who Can Adopt/Who Can Be Adopted
Adoption is open to anybody, regardless of age or place of residence.
A state has conditions that prospective parents must fulfill before an adoption is permitted. Any of the following people can start an adoption:
- at least 18 years old;
- competent in law; and
- has a family evaluation that was authorized.
Adoption Petition
Filing
A petition for adoption is submitted to the court by a potential adoptive parent to start the adoption process.
Contents
Information included in an adoption petition includes:
the potential parent’s name and address;
the adoptee’s name, gender, and birthplace and date, if any of these are known;
a declaration of whether or not the kid is an Indian child protected by the Indian Child Welfare Act; and
The department’s or any other organization’s name and address, as well as those of the child’s legal guardian or custodian.
The petition must be submitted with the written agreement to adoption.
Under oath, the prospective parent signs the petition; if they are married, the spouse must also sign.
Preplacement Report
A preplacement report must be submitted with the adoption petition if it hasn’t already been with the court.
Who Must Give Consent
In order for an adoption to be legal in Washington, the following parties must agree:
- if the adopted child is fourteen years old or older;
- the biological parent and any potential fathers;
- an organization or department to whom the adopted child has been turned over;
- the guardian in law.
In some circumstances, the court will not require parental consent to approve an adoption. This includes situations when the court has revoked parental rights for the sake of the kid.
Home Residency Required Prior to Finalization of Adoption?
Not necessary
Want Advice on Washington’s Adoption Laws? Speak to a lawyer
Washington’s adoption procedure can be drawn out and complex. It’s a smart idea to hire legal counsel to assist with the preparation of the necessary paperwork, the filing of the adoption petition, and obtaining a court date for the adoption’s completion. To get started, think about getting in touch with a Washington adoption lawyer right now.
Ask your legal questions and receive personalized guidance with The Cowlitz Law Group. Contact us via email: info@cowlitzgroup.com or (360) 355-4465.
