Guide to adoption laws

Common Adoption Laws That You Should Know

There are many things you need to consider before adopting a baby. You can't just swap a baby in a coffee shop or choose a child from a glass window and bring him or her home like a puppy in a pet a shop. Adoption is often a long process and there are quite a number of laws to consider.

Don't think of adoption laws as hurdles in your attempt to give a baby a decent home and family. These laws are in place to protect the child, the birth parents or legal guardians, and also you and your family. Adoption laws are designed to ensure that everybody's rights are respected and protected. If you don't follow the adoption rules, you might end up in jail for kidnapping, no matter how pure your intentions may be.

Here are the common adoption laws you need to know:

Adoption laws differ from one state to another. What may be permitted in the state of California may not be allowed in North Carolina. However, there are certain adoption laws that are common in most states.

Eligibility to adopt

Before, only couples that had been married for a number of years were allowed to adopt a child. Nowadays, however, even a single person can be qualified to adopt a baby. A step mom or dad is also eligible to adopt a child.

Although some states allow minors to adopt a baby (but only in special situations), majority of the states require prospective parents to be in their age of maturity. In fact, about two states require possible adoptive parents to be at least 25 years old.

Persons who have the right to put a child up for adoption

If the birth parents of the baby are alive, they are the ones who have the right to put their baby up for adoption. However, if the birth parents are dead or they have already relinquished their rights over the child, then the legal guardians or organizations (for instance, the Department of Social Services) have the right to place the child up for adoption.

Consent

The parents or legal guardians of the child and the adopting party or parties should enter a written agreement concerning the right over the child. In the agreement, the birth parents or legal guardians should transfer all rights concerning the baby to the adoptive parents. It is important to note that this consent should either be carried out in front of a judge or notarized.