Persons Required to Consent to Adoption

Persons Required to Consent to Adoption. (a) Unless consent is not required under 8 CMC § 1405, a petition to adopt a minor may be granted only if written consent to a particular adoption has been executed by: (1) The mother of the child; (2) A legal father as to whom the child is a legitimate child; (3) An adjudicated father whose relationship to the child has been determined by a court; (4) A presumed father under 8 CMC § 1704; (5) A concerned natural father who is not the legal, adjudicated, or presumed father but who has demonstrated a reasonable degree of interest, concern or responsibility as to the welfare of a child, either: (i) During the first 30 days after such child’s birth, (ii) Prior to the execution of a valid consent to adoption by the mother of the child, or (iii) Prior to the placement of the child with adoptive parents, whichever period of time is greater; (6) Any person or agency having legal custody of the child or legally empowered to consent; (7) The court having jurisdiction of the custody of the child, if the legal guardian or legal custodian of the person of the child is not empowered to consent to adoption; and (8) The child to be adopted if more than 10 years of age, unless the court, in the best interest of the child, dispenses with the child’s consent. Source: PL 8-42, § 6, modified.