Almost anyone is eligible to adopt minor children in the state of North Dakota with some stipulations. Any child eligible to be adopted can be, but some children have a say about whether they wish to be adopted by the potential parents. If you’re considering adoption, here is some information that you should know.
Who Can Adopt?
The laws in North Dakota stipulate who can adopt children within the state, including:
1. Unmarried adults
2. A husband and wife, even if they are considered minors.
3. A single parent of the person to be adopted.
Married people can adopt without their spouse’s consent if the petitioner is a step-parent and has the biological or legal parent’s permission; if the couple is legally separated; or if the spouse isn’t consenting due to reasons excused by the court.
The laws also apply to individuals or couples who are members of the LGBT community. If you have questions about adoption if you’re gay or lesbian, contact a child adoption attorney in Fargo, ND.
Eligible for Adoption
If a child is deemed eligible to be adopted, then a child adoption attorney can help you start the process. However, children 10 and over must give their consent to be adopted and an adoption can be challenged for up to one year. The process includes a home study, which a Fargo child adoption attorney can explain to you.
Residency Requirements
Another requirement of the adoption process is the child or children to be adopted must live in their prospective parent(s) home for at least six months before the adoption can be finalized. However, this is a state requirement for public adoption agencies and doesn’t apply when a step-parent adopts his or her spouse’s children. If you have questions about the differences between public and private adoptions, a child adoption attorney can answer them for you.
