Adoption Petition

Petitioner(s) [Full Name(s)], residing at [____________], respectfully petition this Court for an Order of Adoption of the child described herein. Petitioner(s) [is/are] [married / single / domestic partners] and [has/have] resided in the State of [____________] for at least [____] consecutive months immediately preceding the filing of this Petition, as required by [applicable state adoption statute]. Petitioner(s) [is/are] over the age of [____] and [is/are] a fit and proper person(s) to adopt and to provide a stable, nurturing, and financially secure home for the child.

A home study was completed by [licensed adoption agency / licensed social worker], [Name], on [____________], and the report, attached hereto as Exhibit A, concludes that Petitioner(s)' home is suitable for adoption and that Petitioner(s) [is/are] qualified to provide for the physical, emotional, educational, and developmental needs of the child. The home study found no disqualifying factors and affirmatively recommends approval of the adoption. Petitioner(s) [has/have] also completed all pre-placement requirements, training, and background checks mandated by [applicable state law / agency policy].

The child to be adopted is [Child's Full Name], born [____________], at [City, State], whose current address is [____________] (the "Child"). The Child [is / is not] currently in the legal custody of [describe current custodial arrangement]. The Child has been residing with Petitioner(s) since [____________] pursuant to [a placement agreement / foster care placement / pre-adoptive placement by the agency]. Petitioner(s) represent(s) that the Child is legally available for adoption and that all statutory prerequisites for adoption have been satisfied as set forth herein.

Consent to the adoption has been [obtained / terminated / waived] as follows: (a) Biological Mother: [Consent was executed on [____________] before [notary / judge / authorized agency representative] and is attached as Exhibit B / parental rights were terminated by Order of [Court] on [____________], attached as Exhibit B / consent is not required because [state statutory exception]]; (b) Biological Father: [same analysis]; (c) The Child's consent: [If the child is age [____] or older as required by state law: The Child has consented to the adoption as evidenced by the attached Exhibit C, executed in the presence of the Court/notary on [____________]].

This Petition is filed pursuant to [applicable state adoption statute, e.g., Cal. Fam. Code §§ 8600 et seq. / Tex. Fam. Code Ch. 162 / applicable state law]. All statutory prerequisites for the granting of an adoption order have been met, including: (a) the child is legally available for adoption; (b) all required consents or terminations of parental rights have been obtained; (c) Petitioner(s) [has/have] satisfied the residency and age requirements; (d) a home study has been completed with a favorable recommendation; and (e) [describe any additional statutory requirements met, e.g., waiting period, ICWA compliance if applicable, ICPC approval if applicable].

Granting this Petition is in the best interests of the Child. The following factors demonstrate that the proposed adoption will serve the Child's health, safety, and welfare: (a) Petitioner(s) [has/have] provided the Child with a stable, loving home since [____________] and [has/have] formed a deep parent-child bond with the Child; (b) the Child has [thrived / made significant progress / demonstrated emotional stability] while in Petitioner(s)' care, as evidenced by [educational progress reports / medical records / agency assessments]; (c) Petitioner(s) [is/are] financially, emotionally, and physically capable of providing for the Child's long-term needs; and (d) adoption will provide the Child with permanency, stability, and a sense of belonging that is essential to [his/her/their] healthy development.

WHEREFORE, Petitioner(s) respectfully request(s) that this Court: (a) schedule a hearing on this Petition at the earliest practicable date; (b) upon hearing, enter an Order of Adoption declaring the Child to be the legally adopted child of Petitioner(s) for all purposes; (c) direct that the Child's name be changed to [____________], if applicable; (d) order the issuance of an amended birth certificate reflecting the adoption; and (e) grant such other and further relief as this Court deems just, equitable, and in the best interests of the Child.