Can Adoptions Be Canceled?
The rules concerning adoptions are usually based on your state of residence, but what follows provides a general idea of how things might proceed in many places. No matter what the reason, the adoption process can be stopped, but if the adoption is final, you may have more problems. Read on to learn more about what could happen when an adoption is canceled or reversed.
Disrupting an Adoption
The adoptive parents can always put a stop to an adoption at any time before it becomes final. This is known as a disruption, and there is no need to involve the courts in your decision. Adopting a child should be well thought out, and if you have doubts about your ability to raise a child until the age of 18, you must take action to stop the process. Here are a few good reasons to disrupt the adoption process:
1. You learn that you have a serious health issue.
2. You lose your job or suffer from some other financial issue.
3. You change your mind about taking on the responsibility of raising a child.
4. Your marriage or relationship is breaking up and you are not confident in your ability to be a single parent.
If you wish to disrupt the adoption process, contact the adoption agency at once so that you can accomplish the paperwork required.
Reversing an Adoption
If the adoption process is complete, the process to undo the adoption is known as a reversal. Just as a court must approve an adoption, they must also be the ones to reverse it. The ability and ease of reversing an adoption depend on the reasons for the adoption and local laws.
When the Adoptive Parents Change Their Minds
The courts are extremely reluctant to disturb the adoption of a child just because the parents have decided against it. Sometimes, parents don't realize what they are getting themselves into when they adopt and can begin to regret the decision. Since that reason goes against the best interest of the child, the courts may refuse to reverse the adoption on those grounds. In some cases, however, the courts may agree to reverse the adoption if good cause exists. For example, severe illness in a single parent may constitute a good reason for a reversal.
When the Biological Parents Want to Reverse the Adoption
When the biological parent wishes to reverse an adoption, the success of that depends on the state and the permission of the adoptive parents. In some states, the biological parent has the power to reverse an adoption only under certain circumstances. For example, the biological father might show that he was not informed about the birth of the child or adoption. In other states, the adoption can only be reversed if the adoptive parents agree to it. Almost all states, however, have provisions in place for rescinding an adoption order if done so within a certain time frame.
To learn more about stopping and reversing an adoption, speak to a family law attorney.
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