Title 42, Title 42

(1) The petitioners and the child shall appear at the hearing unless the presence of the child is waived by the court. (2) The court shall examine the petition, the documents accompanying the petition, and the petitioners and shall receive evidence in support of the petition.

(1) The court shall issue a decree of adoption awarding custody of the child to the petitioners based on the evidence received if it determines that: (a) the child has been in the physical custody of the petitioners for at least 6 months, unless the court for good cause shown wai…

(1) In determining whether to grant a petition to adopt, the court shall consider all relevant factors in determining the best interests of the child. The court shall consider factors relevant to the determination of a prospective adoptive parent's parenting ability, the future s…

Before a decree of adoption is issued, a petitioner may not remove the child from the state for more than 30 consecutive days without the permission of: (1) the court if the child was placed directly for adoption; or (2) the department or the agency that placed the child for adop…

A decree of adoption must state: (1) the original name of the child; (2) the name of the petitioner for adoption; (3) whether the petitioner is married or unmarried; (4) whether the petitioner is a stepparent of the child; (5) the name by which the child is to be known; (6) for a…

(1) Within 30 days after a decree of adoption becomes final, the clerk of court shall send a report of the adoption to the department. (2) If petitioners have requested it, the court shall order the vital statistics bureau to issue a new birth certificate to the child.

(1) After the decree of adoption is entered: (a) the relationship of parent and child and all the rights, duties, and other legal consequences of the relation of parent and child exist between the adoptee and the adoptive parent and the kindred of the adoptive parent; (b) the for…

(1) For purposes of appeal, the decree of adoption is a final order when it is issued. (2) A person may appeal from the order in the manner and form provided for appeals from a judgment in civil actions. (3) An appeal from a decree of adoption must be heard expeditiously pursuant…

A decree of adoption does not affect any right or benefit vested in the adoptee before the decree became final.

When the relationship of parent and child has been created by a decree of adoption of a court of any other state or country, the rights and obligations of the parties as to matters within the jurisdiction of this state must be determined pursuant to this title.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this title, a decree of adoption terminates any existing order or written or oral agreement for contact or communication between the adoptee and the birth parents or family. (2) Any express written agreement entered into between the placing par…