Adoption Laws in North Carolina

Adoption is an exciting and rewarding decision for many couples, single persons, or blended families and should be done in an informed manner since adoption is a decision that involves long term commitment. The process of adopting a child differs from state to state in the United States and there are many federal laws involving the adoption process. It is important that families planning for adoption are familiar with and understand the adoption laws and what these laws allow for within their state. Each state has uniquely different adoption laws, and the laws of the state in which one lives govern a person’s options when considering adoption. The background, laws and legal procedure for adoption of a child in North Carolina are explored to familiarize one with the adoption process in North Carolina

Adoption is the legal process that creates a new permanent parent- child relationship where one didn’t exist before, severing previous parent-child relationships. The best interests and needs of the child are the primary purpose and goal of adoption as well as the governing laws surrounding adoption. Adoption brings a positive ending to a challenging situation and benefits everyone involved, including the birthmother and father, the child, and the adoptive family. The benefits of adoption for the birthmother and father give them opportunity to make the dreams for their child come true as well as bringing many people happiness that could not occur without them. The child being adopted will gain the love and support of adoptive parents who are emotionally and financially ready to take on parenting, and adoptive families benefit from the joy and blessing of adding a child to their family as well as fulfilling dreams of raising a child. Adoption legally transfers the parental responsibilities and rights of the birth parent or parents to the adoptive family and gives the child being adopted all the social, emotional, and legal rights and responsibilities of a family member. When an adoption becomes finalized there is no legal difference between adopted children and those born to the parents.

In the nineteenth century state legislatures began passing adoption laws in the United States. The Massachusetts Adoption of Children Act, enacted in 1851, is considered the first “modern” adoption law. During the twentieth