Delaware Adoption Laws, Page 3

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Consent Laws

Who Must Consent to an Adoption

• Consent shall be granted by the department or agency to whom rights are vested.
  
• In cases of adoption by a stepparent or blood relative, consent shall be granted by the biological mother and father.

Age When Consent of Adoptee is Considered or Required

Statute: Tit. 13 § 907

• A child 14 years of age or older must provide written consent unless the court finds it in the child's best interest to waive consent.

When Parental Consent is not Needed

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• The child has been abandoned.
  
• The parent is legally incompetent.
  
• The parent is convicted of a felony where a child has been harmed.
  
• There is a history of neglect or chronic abuse.

When Consent Can Be Executed

• Consent by the mother can be given any time after the child's birth.
  
• Consent by the natural father may be executed prior to or after the child's birth.

How Consent Must Be Executed

• Consent shall be written, notarized, and annexed to the adoption petition if parental rights have not been previously terminated.
  
• Consent executed by a parent or guardian must be signed or confirmed in the presence of a judge or other designated representative.

Revocation of Consent

Statute: Tit. 13 § 909

• Within 60 days of filing the petition of consent, a person wishing to revoke consent may petition the court.
  

Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)

Caring for Kids Adoptions

Serving birth parents & families in Ohio. Free services to birth parents.

http://www.cfkadopt.org

Adoption Connection

Making Sure Babies are Happy. Find a loving family for your baby.

www.AdoptionConnection.org

Dove Adoptions Int'l

Dedicated to seeking the best wel- fare for the children of the world.

www.adoptions.net