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After placement, the agency or the adopting parents must file with the Court a Report of Intention
to Adopt the child. The rights of natural parents of the child must then be formally terminated by court
before an adoption can be granted. This investigation will provide details about the adopting parents to the
court and permit the judge to make an independent determination as to the qualifications of the adopting
parents. The adopting parents must also provide child abuse and criminal record histories.
Adoption may also be requested by a parent who would like his or her new spouse to become the
parent of a child by a prior relationship. If the other natural parent voluntarily agrees to adoption, an
expedited hearing can be held.
If a parent will not agree to give up his or her rights, the adopting parents must file a petition to
Involuntary Terminate the rights of the natural parent or parents and must prove to the court at a hearing that
the natural parent(s) have failed to perform parental duties and that they have no interest in continuing to
parent the child. This burden is very difficult and Pennsylvania Courts are reluctant to terminate a parent's
rights to a child without very good cause.
Pennsylvania does not allow the payment of any money by the adopting parents to the natural parents
for the right to adopt the child. Payments for medical bills and legal fees are allowed in certain instances,
they must be authorized by the court during the adoption process.
It is possible for people from one state or county to adopt a child from another state or county. The
adopting parents should be aware that there are special laws governing interstate placement and adoption and
each state’s adoption laws are different.
If you need an attorney and don't have one, the Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help.
Call Us Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - Noon and 1:15 PM - 3:00 PM
at (814) 459-4411. |
