The Law of Adoption

Book excerpt: According to the National Adoption Clearinghouse, more than 120,000 children are adopted in the United States each year. This almanac sets forth the various types and circumstances of adoption, the adoption process, and the state and federal laws governing adoption. Consent requirements and the rights of putative fathers are also examined, and the pros and cons of open adoptions-i.e., where contact with the birth family is maintained-are explored. This almanac also discusses the costs and tax benefits of adoption, and the availability of adoption assistance for special needs children. Post-adoption considerations, such as access to birth records and inheritance issues are also set forth in this almanac. This almanac also presents an overview of international adoption. The Appendices provide applicable statutes, forms, resource directories, and state summaries for comparison, as well as other pertinent information and data. The Glossary contains definitions of many of the terms used throughout the almanac.