| Adoptions require the filing of a petition and numerous
supporting documents with the county Surrogate Court.
Each county court has its own set of rules
with respect to the adoption process. Some
courts will put you through a rigorous "due
diligence" process if there is a missing parent,
other court's may not even notify the missing parent.
The adoption is a process that in the end, provided you have everything in
order, it's a wonderful event for everyone.
Click here for free Adoption Forms
Types of Adoption
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Private placement occurs between two adults where one is the biological
parent and the other parent or partner adopts
the child. Private Placement can be between same sex partners
-
Agency placement
Private Placement Process:
You will file a
Petition
requiring alot of information, so prepare to:
-
Gather info: your SS numbers, residence, telephone, job information
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Get info on last known address of parent giving up
child for adoption (i.e.-if the child was born out of wedlock then have the father sign an affidavit
agreeing to the adoption (get notarized waiver when biological parent gives up
rights)
-
if father's whereabouts are unknown then conduct due
diligence (i.e.- hire a detective, search phone books,talk to relatives)
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Send Notice of Adoption to last known address of other biological parent
-
If the Father can not be found then sign and file an
Out of Wedlock
Affidavit
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File with the Office of Court Administration ("OCA")
the Notice of Adoption
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Prepare Affidavit of Financial Disclosure
The Adoption Filing Process
File all final documents with the Court:
1. OCA card stamped with the date of filing the Notice of Adoption;
2. Request for Information-Private Adoption;
3. Two Certificates of Adoption;
4. Affidavit of Financial Disclosure;
5. Agreement of Adoption;
6. DRO-111A Affidavit and Affidavit of No Marriage by both parties; and
7. Notification of Order of Adoption.
ADOPTION PROCEDURE AFTER FILING COURT DOCUMENTS
You will need to complete and file with the Court:
A home inspection report by a social worker is needed.
You will pay from about $500-$1,000 for the report
regarding your living conditions, home & family life for
the court's review, and a
Medical Certification of
Parents & Child .
The Court may want some final additional affidavits regarding your home life, job or marital
status supplied
The Court Ordered Adoption & Appearance
Upon the Court being satisfied that all documents were
filed, then the Court will schedule an adoption hearing where you can bring
the child, take pictures and within a month you will receive the
court's order and a new
birth certificate, completing your adoption.
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