Child Care
TERMINATION
OF PARENTAL RIGHTS
AND
ADOPTION PROCEDURES
The Probate Courts of Connecticut
Probate Court Administrator
186 Newington Road
West Hartford, CT 06110
Compliments of your probate court:
INTRODUCTION
Among the laws within the jurisdiction of
Connecticut Probate Courts are those dealing with adoptions and the termination of parental rights.
This brochure was designed to explain the basic aspects of a complex body of laws with which most people are not familiar. It is not a complete review of the subject, but a guide to help those with commonly asked questions. For answers to specific procedural questions, your local Probate Court would be happy to assist you. For problems related to substantive matters of a specific nature, competent professional advice should be sought.
Notes: 1) As used in this booklet, words referring to the male gender may be applied to females, and words referring to the female gender may be applied to males. 2) A number of forms pertaining to the termination of parental rights and adoption procedures are available online at the Judicial Branch’s Web site, www.jud.ct.gov. (Click on “Forms” under “Quick Links.”) Forms are also available at the probate court.
© 2007 Probate Court Administrator
Introductory notes revised 1/2010
What is the law in general?
In order for a child to be adopted, he must be "free" for adoption and "given in adoption" by a legally authorized individual or agency. Unlike some other states, Connecticut does not allow the direct placement of children by private, unregulated adoption agencies or non-relatives. Only certain approved agencies and close relatives, under careful regulation, may offer a child for adoption.
When is a child free for adoption?
A minor child (under 18) is free for possible adoption if: (1) there are no living parents or, (2) the rights of both parents have been terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction.
A third option, stepparent adoption,
OF PARENTAL RIGHTS
AND
ADOPTION PROCEDURES
The Probate Courts of Connecticut
Probate Court Administrator
186 Newington Road
West Hartford, CT 06110
Compliments of your probate court:
INTRODUCTION
Among the laws within the jurisdiction of
Connecticut Probate Courts are those dealing with adoptions and the termination of parental rights.
This brochure was designed to explain the basic aspects of a complex body of laws with which most people are not familiar. It is not a complete review of the subject, but a guide to help those with commonly asked questions. For answers to specific procedural questions, your local Probate Court would be happy to assist you. For problems related to substantive matters of a specific nature, competent professional advice should be sought.
Notes: 1) As used in this booklet, words referring to the male gender may be applied to females, and words referring to the female gender may be applied to males. 2) A number of forms pertaining to the termination of parental rights and adoption procedures are available online at the Judicial Branch’s Web site, www.jud.ct.gov. (Click on “Forms” under “Quick Links.”) Forms are also available at the probate court.
© 2007 Probate Court Administrator
Introductory notes revised 1/2010
What is the law in general?
In order for a child to be adopted, he must be "free" for adoption and "given in adoption" by a legally authorized individual or agency. Unlike some other states, Connecticut does not allow the direct placement of children by private, unregulated adoption agencies or non-relatives. Only certain approved agencies and close relatives, under careful regulation, may offer a child for adoption.
When is a child free for adoption?
A minor child (under 18) is free for possible adoption if: (1) there are no living parents or, (2) the rights of both parents have been terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction.
A third option, stepparent adoption,