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Adoption Questions & Answers

How do I adopt a child?

How do I adopt a child?
How do I adopt my spouse's or domestic partner's children?
How do I adopt a child if I'm not the child's stepparent or the domestic parent of the child's parent?
What is a birth parent?

What are the types of adoption?

What is a stepparent adoption?
What is a domestic partner adoption?
What is an independent, agency or international adoption?
What is the difference between a step-parent/domestic partner adoption and independent, agency or international adoptions?

What about telling the other parent know about the adoption?

Why do I have to let my child's other birth parent know about the stepparent or domestic partner adoption?
What if my child only has one birth parent?
What if my child's other birth parent is deceased?
What if my child's other birth parent does not admit that he or she is the child's parent?
What if I don't know where my child's other birth parent is?
If my child's other birth parent has been gone for years, and I haven't seen him/her, do I still have to let him/her know?
What if my child was conceived through artificial insemination with an anonymous donor?
How can I find my children's other birth parent?
What will the court want me to do to try to find the other birth parent?
What if after trying everything, I still can't find the other birth parent?
What happens if you don't really look for a birth parent, and the birth parent shows up later to undo the adoption.

Does everyone have to agree to the adoption?

In a stepparent or domestic partner adoption, does the child's other parent have to agree to the adoption?
What if my children's other birth parent doesn't agree to the step-parent adoption?
Does the child have to agree to the adoption?
If I am the only parent listed on the birth certificate for my child, do I still need the consent of the other parent?

Where can I get help finding past adoption records?

How can I get copies of my adoption documents that were filed in a California court?

How can I get copies of my adoption documents that were filed in a California court?
Adoption files are confidential and are available to the adult adoptee, adopting parents and their attorneys. However, you may file a petition with the court clerk to ask the court for permission to obtain copies from the adoption file. Contact the court where the adoption was granted. Click here for a list of courts and their contact information.

For more information, go to the Department of Social Services Web site .

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Last modified: 01/05/2009

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