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Step 12 - File a Petition to Adopt

For the purpose of this article, the term "waiting child" refers to children currently available for adoption through U.S. public welfare and foster care programs.

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

This is the beginning of the court process. The petition to adopt is a court document in which you make a formal request for permission to adopt the child. To file the petition, you will most likely need (among other things):

• 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.

Your social worker will inform you of other information and/or documents that may be required.

Best Resources

• 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.

Next page > Finalize the Adoption

Sources for this article include:
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
National Adoption Information Clearinghouse
North American Council on Adoptable Children
The Learning Center

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