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The ADOPT-200 form is an essential document for anyone seeking to adopt a child in California. It serves as a formal request to the Superior Court for permission to proceed with the adoption process. Critical information required on this form includes the court's details, case number, and personal information about the adopting parent or parents. You must specify the type of adoption being pursued, such as agency, relative, or independent adoption. If you are adopting more than one child, separate requests must be completed for each. Additionally, the ADOPT-200 collects crucial data about the child, including their new name, age, birth parents' names, and whether any legal guardianship exists. The form addresses specific inquiries under the Indian Child Welfare Act, ensuring compliance with federal laws when adopting Native American children. Other important sections pertain to the adopting parents' suitability, consent where necessary, and any pre-existing parental rights. Completing this form accurately is vital for a smooth adoption process and to protect the rights of all parties involved, making it a critical step in the journey of building a family.

Adopt 200 Example

Clerk stamps date here when form is filed.
Fill in court name and street address:
Superior Court of California, County of
Court fills in case number when form is filed.

ADOPT-200 Adoption Request

If you are adopting more than one child, fill out an adoption request for each child.

1Adopting parent(s)

a.Name:

b.Name: Relationship to child: Street address:

City:State: Zip:

Telephone number:

Lawyer (if any) (name, address, telephone numbers, e-mail address, and State Bar number):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

County of filing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Case Number:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Adoption Request is filed in this court because (check all that apply):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The adopting parent or parents live in this county;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The child was born in or the child now lives in this county;

 

(To be completed by the clerk of the superior court

 

An office of the agency that placed the child for

 

 

 

if a hearing date is available.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

adoption is located in this county;

 

 

 

 

Hearing

Hearing is set for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

An office of the department or public adoption agency

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

Time:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

that is investigating the request is located in this county;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dept.:

Room:

 

The placing birth parent or parents lived in this county

 

 

 

 

Name and address of

court if different

from

above:

 

 

 

when the adoptive placement agreement, consent, or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

relinquishment was signed;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The placing birth parent or parents lived in this county

 

To the person served with this request: If you do

 

 

when the request was filed;

 

 

 

 

not come to this hearing, the judge can order the

 

The child was freed for adoption in this county.

 

 

 

adoption without your input.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Note: If the child is a dependent of the court, the Adoption Request must be filed in the county where the child

 

was freed for adoption or the county where the adopting parent or parents reside. See Fam. Code, § 8714.)

3

Type of adoption

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check one of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agency (name):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relative

 

 

Nonrelative

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tribal customary adoption (attach tribal customary adoption order)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Independent:

Relative

Nonrelative

Additional Parent(s)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercountry (name of agency):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stepparent adoption

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stepparent adoption to confirm parentage. See form ADOPT-050-INFO to determine whether you are

 

eligible for the stepparent adoption to confirm parentage process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joinder:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joinder is being filed at same time as this Adoption Request.

 

 

Joinder will be filed.

 

 

 

 

 

Judicial Council of California,www.courts.ca.gov Rev. September 1, 2021, Mandatory Form

Family Code, §§ 170–180, 7660–7671, 7822, 7892.5, 7960, 8601.5, 8604, 8606, 8700, 8714, 8714.5, 8802, 8900–8905, 8908–8912, 8919, 8919.5, 8924, 8925, 9000, 9000.5, 9001, 9002, 9208; Welfare and Institutions Code, §§ 366.24, 16119;

Cal. Rules of Court, rules 5.480–5.487, 5.493, 5.730

Adoption Request

ADOPT-200, Page 1 of 6

Your name:

Case Number:

4Information about the child a. The child’s new name will be:

b. Sex: Female Male Nonbinary

c. Date of birth:

 

Age:

d.Child’s address (if different from address of adopting parent or parents):

Street:

 

 

 

City:

 

 

 

State:

 

Zip:

 

 

e. Place of birth (if known):

City:

 

State:

 

 

Country:

 

 

 

 

f. If the child is 12 or older, does the child agree to the adoption?

Yes

No

 

 

 

g.Date child was placed in the physical care of the adopting parents:

h. The child was conceived by assisted reproduction in compliance with Family Code section 7613.

i.

The child is a dependent of the court. Juvenile Case No.

 

County:

5Child's name before adoption (fill out ONLY for independent, stepparent, or tribal customary adoption) Child’s name before adoption:

6Birth parents

Names of birth parents, if known:

7Legal guardian

Does the child have a legal guardian?

Yes

No (If yes, attach Letters of Guardianship and fill out below.)

a.

Date guardianship ordered:

 

 

 

c. Case number:

b.

County:

 

 

 

 

 

 

8Inquiry and notice under the Indian Child Welfare Act

a. The inquiry required under law to determine whether the child may be an Indian child has been made, and a completed Indian Child Inquiry Attachment (form ICWA-010(A)) is attached.

Note: In agency adoptions, it is the responsibility of the agency to ensure that this inquiry is conducted and the form is made part of the file. In independent adoptions, the adoption service provider, CDSS Regional Office, or delegated county adoption agency is responsible.

b. A completed version of Parental Notification of Indian Status (form ICWA-020) is attached OR a good faith attempt has been made to provide the form to the parents, Indian custodian, or guardian of the child and inform them that they are required to complete and submit the form to the court.

Note: In agency adoptions, it is the responsibility of the agency to ensure that these forms are made part of the file. In independent adoptions, the adoption service provider, CDSS Regional Office, or delegated county adoption agency is responsible.

c. There is reason to know that this child is an Indian child. Notice of the adoption request will be provided to the child’s tribe or tribes, parents, Indian custodian, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, using Notice of Child Custody Proceeding for Indian Child (form ICWA-030).

9Adoption of an Indian child

a. This is an adoption of an Indian child. The adopting parents have filled out and attached Adoption of Indian Child (form ADOPT-220) and will bring Parent of Indian Child Agrees to End Parental Rights (form ADOPT-225) to the hearing.

b. This is a tribal customary adoption under Welfare and Institutions Code section 366.24. Parental rights have been modified under and in accordance with the attached tribal customary adoption order, and the child has been ordered placed for adoption.

Rev. September 1, 2021

Adoption Request

ADOPT-200, Page 2 of 6

Your name:

Case Number:

10 Agency adoption questions

a.I/We have received information about the Adoption Assistance Program, the Regional Center, mental health services available through Medi-Cal or other programs, and federal and state tax credits that might be available.

b.All persons with parental rights agree that the child should be placed for adoption by the California Department of Social Services or a county adoption agency or a licensed adoption agency (Fam. Code, § 8700) and have signed a relinquishment form approved by the California Department of Social Services, and the time to revoke

the relinquishment has expired or been waived.

Yes

No

If no, list the name and relationship to child of each person who has not signed the relinquishment form or

whose time to revoke the relinquishment has not expired or been waived:

11Independent adoption questions

a. A copy of the Independent Adoptive Placement Agreement from the California Department of Social Services is attached. (This is required in most independent adoptions; see Fam. Code, § 8802.)

b.All persons with parental rights agree to the adoption and have signed the Independent Adoptive Placement

Agreement or consent on the appropriate California Department of Social Services form.

Yes

No

(If no, list the name and relationship to child of each person who has not signed the agreement form):

 

c. I/We will file promptly with the department or delegated county adoption agency the information required by the department in the investigation of the proposed adoption.

d. This is an independent adoption involving additional parent(s):

All persons with existing parental rights agree to this adoption and will maintain their existing parental rights.

An agreement waiving termination of parental rights, signed by both the existing parent(s) and the adopting parent(s) is attached.

12 Stepparent adoption and confirmation of parentage questions

 

a. The birth parent (name):

 

 

has signed a consent

will sign a consent.

b. The birth parent (name):

 

 

has signed a consent

will sign a consent.

c. The adopting parent married or entered into a registered

domestic partnership with the legal parent on (date):

 

 

 

. (For court use only. This does not affect social worker’s recommendation.

There is no waiting period.)

 

 

 

d. I am seeking a stepparent adoption to confirm my parentage. At the time the child was born, I was married to or in a state-registered domestic partnership with the parent who gave birth or whose parentage was established through a gestational surrogacy process, and we remain in that union. See attached:

Form ADOPT-205, Declaration Confirming Parentage in Stepparent Adoption

Form ADOPT-206, Declaration Confirming Parentage in Stepparent Adoption: Gestational Surrogacy Declaration describing the circumstances of the child’s conception.

e.The investigation or written report will be completed as follows (choose one):

I will choose someone to do an investigation or written report. I understand that the person I choose must be a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed marriage and family therapist, or work for a licensed private adoption agency. I will pay this person or agency directly.

I would like the court to choose someone to do an investigation. I understand that the court can charge me money for this investigation.

f. This is a stepparent adoption involving an additional parent:

All persons with existing parental rights agree to this adoption and will maintain their existing parental rights.

An agreement waiving termination of parental rights, signed by both the existing parent(s) and the adopting parent(s) is attached.

Rev. September 1, 2021

Adoption Request

ADOPT-200, Page 3 of 6

Rev. September 1, 2021

Your name:

Case Number:

13Intercountry adoption questions

a. This adoption may be subject to the Hague Adoption Convention (form ADOPT-216 must be filed with this request).

b. This is an adoption conducted under the requirements of the Hague Adoption Convention and the child has already moved with the adopting parent(s) to another Hague Convention member country or will be moving at the conclusion of this adoption.

Child will be moving or has moved to (name of country):

Adopting parent(s): seek(s) a California adoption will be petitioning for a Hague Adoption Certificate will be seeking a Hague Custody Declaration.

c. This is an intercountry adoption that was finalized in another country before the child entered the United States with the adopting parent(s).

Date the child entered the United States:

See form ADOPT-050-INFO for a list of documents to attach to this Adoption Request.

14 Contact after adoption

is attached

will not be used

Contact After Adoption Agreement (form ADOPT-310)

will be filed at least 30 days before the adoption hearing

is undecided at this time.

This is a tribal customary adoption. Postadoption contact is governed by the attached tribal customary adoption order.

15Consent for adoption

Complete all sections that apply to your adoption:

a.

The consent of the birth parent is not necessary because (check the applicable reasons under Fam. Code,

§8606):

(1) The parent has been judicially deprived of the custody and control of the child.

(2) The parent has voluntarily surrendered the right to custody and control of the child in a judicial proceeding in another jurisdiction, under a law of that jurisdiction providing for the surrender.

(3) The parent has deserted the child without providing information to identify the child.

(4) The parent has relinquished the child under Family Code section 8700.

(5) The parent has relinquished the child for adoption to a licensed or authorized child-placing agency in another jurisdiction.

b.

The child has a presumed parent under Family Code section 7611. The consent of the presumed parent is

 

not required because:

(1) The presumed parent did not become a presumed parent before the mother’s relinquishment or consent became irrevocable or the mother’s parental rights were terminated. (Fam. Code, § 8604(a).)

(2) The presumed parent signed a Waiver of the Right to Further Notice of Adoption Proceedings pursuant to Family Code section 7660.5.

c. Termination of parental rights of an alleged father is not required because:

(1) The relationship to the child was previously terminated or determined not to exist by a court.

(2) The alleged father was served as prescribed in Family Code section 7666 with a written notice of alleged parentage and the proposed adoption, and has failed to bring an action pursuant to Family Code section 7630(c) within 30 days of service of the notice or the birth of the child, whichever is later. (Attach proof of notice to this Adoption Request.)

(3) The alleged father has executed a written form to waive notice, deny parentage, relinquish the child

for adoption, or consent to the adoption of the child.

Adoption Request

ADOPT-200, Page 4 of 6

Your name:

Case Number:

15d.

A court ended the parental rights of:

Name:

 

Relationship to child:

on (date):

Name:

 

Relationship to child:

 

on (date):

(Enter the date of the court order ending parental rights and attach a copy of the order.)

e.

The child is the subject of a tribal customary adoption order under Welfare and Institutions Code section

 

366.24, which has modified the parental rights of (attach a copy of the order):

 

Name:

 

Relationship to child:

on (date):

 

Name:

 

Relationship to child:

 

on (date):

 

 

Name:

 

 

Relationship to child:

 

on (date):

 

 

f.

I/We will ask the court to end the parental rights of (attach copy of Petition to Terminate Parental Rights or Application for Freedom From Parental Custody, if filed):

Name:

 

Relationship to child:

Name:

 

Relationship to child:

g.

Adopting parent has custody of the child by court order or by agreement with the other parent, and each of the following persons with parental rights has not contacted the child and has not paid for the child’s care, support, and education for one year or more when able to do so. (Fam. Code, § 8604(b).)

Name:

 

 

Relationship to child:

Name:

 

 

 

Relationship to child:

Name:

 

 

Relationship to child:

h. The child has been abandoned as follows:

(1) The child has been left by the child’s parent or parents with no way to identify the child.

(2) The child has been left in the custody of another person by both parents or the sole parent for six months without providing for the child’s support, or without communication from the parent or parents, with the intent to abandon the child.

(3)

One parent has left the child in the care and custody of the other parent for one year or longer without providing for the child’s support or without communication from the parent, with the intent to abandon the child.

(If any of the above boxes are checked, adopting parent must also check item 15f and file an Application for Freedom From Parental Custody. See Fam. Code, § 7822(a).)

i. Each of the following persons with parental rights has died:

Name:

 

Relationship to child:

Name:

 

Relationship to child:

16Suitability for adoption Each adopting parent:

a.Is at least 10 years older than the child or meets the criteria in Family Code section 8601(b);

b.Will treat the child as their own;

c.Will support and care for the child;

d.Has a suitable home for the child; and

e.Agrees to adopt the child.

Rev. September 1, 2021

Adoption Request

ADOPT-200, Page 5 of 6

Your name:

Case Number:

17Requests to court

I/We ask the court to approve the adoption and to declare that the adopting parents and the child have the legal relationship of parent and child, with all the rights and duties of this relationship, including the right of inheritance.

I/We ask the court to date its order approving the adoption as of an earlier date (date): for the following reason (Fam. Code, § 8601.5):

(Enter a date no earlier than the date parental rights were ended.)

This is a tribal customary adoption. I/We ask the court to approve the adoption and to declare that the adopting parents and the child have the legal relationship of parent and child, with all of the rights and duties stated in the attached tribal customary adoption order and in accordance with Welfare and Institutions Code section 366.24.

18If a lawyer is representing you in this case, the lawyer must sign here:

Date:

 

 

Signature of lawyer for adopting parent(s)

Type or print lawyer’s name

19I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the information in this form and all its attachments is true and correct to my knowledge. This means that if I lie on this form, I am guilty of a crime.

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature of adopting parent

 

 

 

 

Type or print your name

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature of adopting parent

 

 

 

 

Type or print your name

 

NOTICE—ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE: Do you or someone in your household need affordable health insurance? If so, you should apply for Covered California. Covered California can help reduce the cost you pay toward high-quality affordable health care. For more information, visit www.coveredca.com. Or call Covered California at 1-800-300-1506 (English) or 1-800-300-0213 (Spanish).

Rev. September 1, 2021

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Form Characteristics

Fact Name Detail
Form Name ADOPT-200 Adoption Request
Governing Law California Family Code, §§ 170–180, 7660–7671, 7822
Clerk's Responsibility Clerk stamps the date when the form is filed.
Multiple Children If adopting more than one child, separate requests must be filled out for each child.
Filing County The adoption request is filed in the county where the adopting parents reside or the child is located.
Hearing Notice If a hearing is scheduled, parties must attend; otherwise, the judge may decide without their input.
Type of Adoption Options include agency, relative, nonrelative, and stepparent adoptions.
Child's Information Adoptive parents must provide details about the child's new name, sex, and date of birth.
Indian Child Welfare Act Compliance An inquiry must be made to determine if the child is an Indian child.
Consent Not Required Consent may not be required in certain situations, such as judicial deprivation of parental rights.

Guidelines on Utilizing Adopt 200

Completing the Adopt 200 form is an important step in initiating the adoption process. This form requires accurate information from adopting parents and provides essential details about the child being adopted. After completing the form, it should be submitted to the appropriate court for processing.

  1. Write the court name and street address at the top of the form. Use "Superior Court of California, County of".
  2. Leave space for the case number, which the court will fill in when the form is filed.
  3. For the first section, list the name(s) of the adopting parent(s). Include your relationship to the child, street address, city, state, zip code, and telephone number.
  4. If applicable, provide information regarding your lawyer, including their name, address, telephone number, email address, and State Bar number.
  5. Indicate the county of filing and the case number for your request.
  6. Check all reasons why the form is filed in this court, selecting from options such as where the adopting parent(s) live or where the child was born.
  7. Choose the type of adoption from the provided options and fill out any pertinent information.
  8. Fill in the child’s information, including their new name, sex, date of birth, address (if different), place of birth, and whether the child agrees to the adoption, if they are 12 years or older.
  9. If applicable, provide the name of the child's legal guardians and attach the Letters of Guardianship.
  10. Complete the inquiries related to the Indian Child Welfare Act as required.
  11. Answer the questions regarding agency adoption, independent adoption, stepparent adoption, and intercountry adoption as relevant.
  12. Complete the contact after adoption section if applicable, indicating whether an agreement will be filed.
  13. Answer the consent for adoption section, explaining the necessity of consent from any birth parents or legal guardians.
  14. Address the suitability for adoption, making declarations about the adopting parents' qualifications.

Once the form is completed, it should be reviewed for accuracy before submission to the court. This process will help ensure that the adoption request can move forward smoothly.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the purpose of the ADOPT-200 form?

The ADOPT-200 form is used to request the adoption of a child in California. It serves as an official document for adopting parents to express their intent to adopt a child and provides essential information about both the adopters and the child involved. This form plays a crucial role in the legal adoption process, ensuring all necessary information is submitted to the court.

Who can file the ADOPT-200 form?

Any individual or couple who wishes to adopt a child can file the ADOPT-200 form. It is important that at least one adopting parent meets specific legal criteria, such as being at least 10 years older than the child or meeting the requirements outlined in Family Code section 8601(b). Additionally, if adopting a child from a relative, that relationship should be clearly documented.

Can I adopt multiple children using a single ADOPT-200 form?

No, if you plan to adopt more than one child, you must complete a separate ADOPT-200 form for each child. This ensures that each child’s information is accurately represented and that the legal requirements for each adoption are met individually.

What information is required on the ADOPT-200 form?

The form requires basic details about the adopting parents, the child being adopted, and any birth parents or legal guardians. You will also need to specify the type of adoption you are pursuing. Information such as the child’s new name, birth date, address, and parental agreements is necessary to process the request properly.

What happens if I do not attend the adoption hearing?

If you fail to attend the scheduled hearing regarding your adoption request, the court may still proceed with the adoption. The judge can issue an order that finalizes the adoption without your input, which could lead to outcomes that may not align with your desires or understanding of the situation.

How do I ensure compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) when filling out the form?

If there is a possibility that the child is of Native American heritage, it is crucial to comply with the ICWA. You must complete the Indian Child Inquiry Attachment (form ICWA-010(A)) and the Parental Notification of Indian Status (form ICWA-020). Attach these documents with the ADOPT-200 form. Agencies are responsible for conducting the necessary inquiries in agency adoptions.

Are any additional documents required to file the ADOPT-200 form?

Yes, depending on the type of adoption, there may be additional documents required. For agency adoptions, you may need to submit relinquishment forms and verification of parental agreements. If you are pursuing an independent or stepparent adoption, ensure to attach relevant agreements and any court orders related to termination of parental rights.

What does it mean if I check "Joinder" on the ADOPT-200 form?

If you check "Joinder" on the form, it indicates that you are filing another legal document at the same time, which is linked to this adoption request. This may involve joining another legal action or request related to the adoption process, and it helps streamline the procedure in court.

Common mistakes

Completing the Adopt 200 form can be a challenging process. Many people make mistakes when filling out this important document, which can delay or complicate the adoption process. Here are seven common errors people often encounter.

First, leaving out essential details can lead to problems. One must ensure that all required fields, such as names, addresses, and case numbers, are accurately filled in. Omitting even a single piece of information, like the county of filing or the child's birth details, can cause significant delays.

Second, some individuals fail to specify the type of adoption correctly. Whether it is agency, independent, or stepparent adoption, it is crucial to make the right selection. Selecting the wrong type can result in the adoption being processed incorrectly, which can create additional hurdles down the line.

Third, incorrect or outdated information about the child can be problematic. For instance, not updating the current address, age, or place of birth may lead to complications. The child's name before adoption is also a vital detail that should not be ignored, especially in independent or stepparent cases.

Fourth, potential parents often neglect to address the legal rights of birth parents. The form requires specific details regarding the consent of the birth parents. Misunderstanding this aspect can complicate the legal standing of the adoption and lead to further inquiries.

Fifth, many applicants do not attach the necessary documentation. For example, various supporting documents like Letters of Guardianship or the Parental Notification of Indian Status may need to be submitted. Failing to include these documents can put the entire adoption process in jeopardy.

Sixth, people sometimes forget to review the requirements specific to intercountry and tribal customary adoptions. These processes have unique stipulations, and overlooking them can create additional layers of complexity, potentially causing denials.

Finally, not keeping copies of completed forms can become a crucial mistake. It is wise to have a backup for all submitted documents. Should any issues arise, having these copies can facilitate the resolution process.

Avoiding these common mistakes can make a significant difference in ensuring a smoother adoption experience. Careful attention to detail in completing the Adopt 200 form is essential for all parties involved.

Documents used along the form

The adoption process involves several key forms and documents that help facilitate the legal proceedings of bringing a child into a new family. The ADOPT-200 form, which serves as the primary adoption request, is often accompanied by additional documents. Each of these documents plays a distinct role in ensuring that the adoption is carried out smoothly and legally.

  • ADOPT-050-INFO: This form provides essential information about the requirements and procedures for stepparent adoptions. It guides potential adoptive parents on the necessary steps to confirm their parental status legally.
  • ADOPT-205: This declaration confirms the parentage of a child in stepparent adoption cases. It verifies that the adopting parent has a legal connection to the child through marriage or a registered domestic partnership with a biological parent.
  • ADOPT-216: Required for intercountry adoptions, this form acknowledges that the adoption may be subject to the Hague Adoption Convention, laying the groundwork for international legal procedures.
  • ICWA-010(A): This Indian Child Welfare Act form is necessary to determine whether the child qualifies as an Indian child and requires specific legal protections and notifications during the adoption process.
  • ICWA-020: Known as the Parental Notification of Indian Status, this form informs the court about the child's potential Indian status and ensures proper notice is given to the child’s tribe.
  • ADOPT-220: This form is used specifically for the adoption of an Indian child. It confirms that the required steps have been taken to follow the unique legal requirements of such adoptions.
  • ADOPT-225: This document is a parental agreement that allows the birth parents to terminate their rights voluntarily. It is often relevant in cases involving Indian children under tribal customary adoption.
  • Contact After Adoption Agreement (ADOPT-310): This agreement details any planned contact between the adopted child and their birth family post-adoption, providing a framework for ongoing relationships if desired.

Understanding these documents helps navigate the complexity of the adoption process. Each form contributes to the legal security and clarity needed for a successful transition for the child into their new family. Keeping these documents organized is essential for prospective adoptive parents to ensure a smooth adoption journey.

Similar forms

  • Adoption Decree: Similar to the Adopt 200 form, an adoption decree finalizes the adoption process. It includes details such as the names of the adoptive parents and the child, much like the information requested in the Adopt 200.

  • Consent to Adopt: This document confirms that all necessary parties agree to the adoption, paralleling the consent sections found in the Adopt 200, where parental consent is addressed.

  • Placement Agreement: This agreement outlines the arrangements for the child's placement prior to adoption, akin to the placement information required in the Adopt 200 form.

  • Home Study Report: A report prepared by a social worker detailing the suitability of the adoptive parents' home, similar to the assessments made during the adoption request process outlined in the Adopt 200.

  • Petition for Adoption: Filed in conjunction with the Adopt 200 form, this petition formally requests the court to grant the adoption, mirroring the purpose of the Adopt 200 in initiating the legal adoption process.

  • Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Documentation: This documentation ensures compliance with ICWA in adoptions involving Native American children, similar to the inquiry and notice sections found in the Adopt 200.

  • Termination of Parental Rights (TPR): This is a legal document that ends the rights of the biological parents, corresponding to various consent and termination sections in the Adopt 200.

  • Intercountry Adoption Application: This application is used for adoptions involving foreign children, resembling the intercountry adoption sections in the Adopt 200 which address international considerations.

  • Post-Adoption Contact Agreement: Similar to the intended agreements outlined in the Adopt 200, this document establishes any continuing contact between the biological and adoptive families post-adoption.

  • Adoption Assistance Application: This application addresses potential financial aid for adoptive families, akin to addressing agency assistance in the Adopt 200.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Adopt 200 form, ensuring accuracy and completeness is crucial. Here’s a helpful list of things to consider:

  • Do double-check all the information provided, especially the names and addresses. Errors can lead to delays in the adoption process.
  • Don’t leave any sections blank. Every part of the form needs to be addressed, even if the answer is “not applicable.” Leaving sections blank can raise concerns.
  • Do sign the form where required. Your signature confirms that all the provided information is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
  • Don’t rush through the process. Take your time to ensure that all details are correct and that you understand every question before you submit the form.

Misconceptions

Misconception 1: The Adopt 200 form is only for adopting one child.

This form is required for each child you want to adopt. If you are adopting more than one child, you need to complete a separate Adoption Request for each child.

Misconception 2: You cannot adopt if you haven't been married for a long time.

The form does not impose a specific marriage duration requirement. What matters is whether the adopting parent meets the legal criteria to adopt, which can include a variety of situations, such as single parents or stepparents.

Misconception 3: The Adoption Request must be filed in the county where the birth parents reside.

The correct filing location can actually depend on several factors, such as where the child currently lives or where the adopting parents reside. It's crucial to check these guidelines to ensure proper filing.

Misconception 4: You can't proceed with the adoption if the birth parents disagree.

In certain cases, the consent of the birth parents may not be necessary. This can happen in situations involving abandonment or legal termination of parental rights.

Misconception 5: Legal representation is mandatory to complete the Adopt 200 form.

While having a lawyer can be helpful, it is not required to fill out and file the Adopt 200 form. Individuals may choose to represent themselves in the process.

Misconception 6: The forms must be perfect and error-free to be accepted by the court.

While it is important to ensure accuracy, the court often provides opportunities to correct minor errors. The focus should be on providing complete and truthful information rather than achieving perfect paperwork.

Key takeaways

  • The Adopt 200 form is used to request the adoption of a child in California.
  • Each adopting parent must provide personal information, including name, address, and relationship to the child.
  • The court name and address must be filled in, and the date should be stamped by the clerk when filed.
  • If adopting more than one child, separate forms must be filled out for each child.
  • Indicate the type of adoption by checking the appropriate box (e.g., agency, relative, independent).
  • Information about the child, such as their name, sex, and date of birth, is required.
  • If the child is 12 or older, the child's agreement to the adoption should be noted.
  • Check the “consent” section if any birth parents' consent is not necessary and provide reasons.
  • Attach any required documentation, such as Letters of Guardianship or Independent Adoptive Placement Agreements.
  • Submit the form to the correct court based on where the child was freed for adoption or where the adopting parents live.

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