Adoption

Adoption is the legal process in which a child’s legal rights and duties toward his natural parents are terminated and similar rights and duties toward his adoptive parents are substituted. The adoptive parents assume full legal responsibility for the child, including the obligation of support. 

This process can occur with an infant, or often later in the life of the adopted person when a biological parent is no longer in that person’s life. 

A petition is filed with the court having probate jurisdiction in the county of residence, a hearing is held to determine the status of the child and the intent of the natural parents or legal guardian. Once the court determines the adoption is in the best interest of the child, the petition is granted and the adoption is finalized. Notification is sent to the Department of Records in the state of the child’s birth, and a new birth certificate is issued. The old birth certificate is sealed and can be opened only by court order upon a showing of need.