There's something about going to court that generally makes most people nervous. Adoption Day in court is something to be grateful for rather than fear. It’s a day of uniting, transition, and closure all at once. So, what can you expect on Adoption Day?
Who participates on Adoption Day?
Family & Friends
Attorneys, Caseworkers, and CASA
Adoptive Parents
The Child(ren)
What are the things that must have already taken place?
Parental rights terminated
Waiver and consent to adoption signed by the managing conservator, if any
Adoption subsidy negotiated
A LOT of paperwork and background checks
Approved adoption home-study is on file
Petition to adopt is on file
Adoption supporting documents are on file
Child(ren) over the age of 10 have consented to the name change, and child(ren) over 12 have consented to the adoption in writing
HESIG completed or waiver of HESIG signed
Approved final draft of the Final Decree of Adoption has been signed by petitioners and the child(ren)’s attorney and guardian ad-litem
What happens?
Judge calls the case by reading the cause number and style of the case into the record
All parties are identified for the record
All witnesses are asked to raise their right hand and sworn in to truthfully testify in the proceeding
Judge takes Judicial Notice of the Adoption Documents in this case and the underlying termination case
Adoption Attorney gets to call witnesses:
Parents Testify
The caseworker testifies
Child(ren) may testify
Child(ren)'s attorney gets to call witnesses.
‘Adoption Attorney makes closing statements
Child(ren)’s Attorney and GAL get to make closing statement
Judge considers all evidence and grants or denies the adoption with great consideration to what is in the child(ren)'s best interest.
Where is it?
In-person or by Zoom
In the county where the child has resided for six months, or in the county where the court of continuing jurisdiction is found
Before a Judge
__________________________________________________________________________________
At Sims & Purzer, we can help you in any circumstance related to adoption.
Contact us today! We love assisting families to do what is best. We listen closely to your unique circumstances, to make sure you know what your choices are.
We are ready to assist you to get the best outcome. Contact our legal team at Sims & Purzer by clicking the button below: