State Laws & Compacts
Adoption law differs from state to state. It's important that adopting and placing parents, as well as those searching for family members, learn what these laws allow.
Access to Adoption Records
State regulations covering access to identifying and non-identifying (non-ID) information for each state. Includes contact details and information on Confidential Intermediaries (where available).
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Hawai'i
- Idaho
- Illinois
- more
Adult Adoption Laws
U.S. State laws relating to adult adoption: the adoption of one adult by another adult.
- Connecticut State Laws Adopting an Adult
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawai'i
- Idaho
- more
Interstate Adoption: ICPC and ICAMA
Adoption across state lines involves working with both states within the framework of one or both Interstate Compacts: ICPC and ICAMA. Here's what you need to know about the legalities involved, and how moving to another state may affect assistance.
National Directory of Putative Father Registries
Not all states have registries for putative fathers. Find information for the states that do, as well as information for serving military. Statutes, how and where to file, and costs, if any. A national directory of registries.
Relinquishment, Consent & Time to Revoke
State laws differ widely on when and how parental rights can be relinquished, and the period of time when placing parents can change their minds. Here's what you need to know about relinquishment of parental rights, consent to adoption, and the time to r
Safe Haven Laws & Programs
Direct links to and information about state laws enacted and/or propsed on legal abandonment and safe haven programs around the U.S.
Adoption Law SummariesConcise summaries of the major points of adoption law for each state: parties to an adoption, consent, putative fathers, adoption expenses, and state treatment of adoptions finalized abroad.
Use of Advertising & Facilitators in Adoptive Placements
An overview of legal restrictions with links to state laws, from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.
| Adoption Profiles |
|
