(a) Any parent desiring to relinquish his child petitions the Court upon forms supplied by the Court, giving the following information: name of both natural parents, if known; name of the child, if named; ages of all parties concerned; race and religion of both natural parents, if known; and why relinquishment is desired.
(b) Upon receipt of the petition, the Court sets it for hearing.
(c) The parental rights of a parent may not be terminated by relinquishment proceedings unless the parent join in the petition.
(d) The Court does not issue an order of relinquishment until it is satisfied that the relinquishing parent has been counseled and fully advised of the consequences of his act.
(e) If the Court believes after the hearing that it is in the best interests of the parties concerned that no relinquishment be granted, the Court enters an order dismissing the action.
(f) If the Court is satisfied after the hearing that the relinquishing parent or parents have been counseled under (d) above and that the relinquishment would best serve the interests of all parties concerned, it enters an order of relinquishment.
(g) If the Court is not satisfied that the relinquishing parents have been offered proper and sufficient counsel and advice it continues the matter for a time the Court considers necessary.
History: 1980, PL 16-71 § 1.