» adopting a child » how to adopt » waiting child adoption » adopting a waiting child step-by-step » step 12 - file a petition to adopt

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Step 12 - File a Petition to Adopt

More of this Feature •  1. Educate yourself • 2. Examine your capabilities • 3. Adoption expenses • 4. Select an agency • 5. Complete an application • 6. The homestudy • 7. Take classes • 8. Locating a child • 9. Matching • 10. Prepare to welcome your child • 11. Placement • 12. Petition to adopt • 13. Finalization

• your child's birth certificate or birth date and place of birth,
  
  
• a written statement of your desire and suitability to adopt, as well as your ability to provide financially for the child,
  
  
• a written declaration that the adoption is in the child's best interest,
  
  
• your name(s), age(s), and address,
  
  
• the date when and from whom you received custody of the child,
  
  
• a statement of the legal reason why the birth parents' rights are being (or have been) terminated, and
  
  
• a disclosure of any relationship that you may have with the child (other than as an adoptive parent), such as aunt, grandparent, or stepparent.

• Petition to Adopt - legal definition of what a petition must contain, from the state of Arizona (for reference only - be sure to check your state's requirements)
• Sample Petition - this may be similar but not identical to the petition format used in your state.