In my previous post I discussed the steps leading up to the adoption hearing. In this post I will talk about your testimony and completing the finalization of your adoption.
Adoptive parents testimony is typically a recitation of the information contained in an Adoption Petition, and is simply comprised of each parties’ own biographical information, including your name, address, date of birth, age, place of birth, occupation, religious affiliation, racial background, date of marriage, and the first names and ages of any other biological or adoptive children. The adoption then requires confirmation of additional information, which I always refer to as “the silly questions.” They are silly because they are obvious, but the law requires that they are affirmed on the record. Those questions include the following:
- Have you received the medical history information with regard to your adoptive child, and is there anything in that information that would cause you to not proceed with this adoption?
- Does the proposed adoptee own any property of value? (toys don’t count)
- Is it your desire to continue the parent-child relationship you have established with the proposed adoptee, and if so, are you willing to assume the parental duties with regard to this child?
- Do you understand that if the Court grants your Petition today, the proposed adoptee will have all the rights and obligations as if they were your biological child? (duh – everyone knows that there is no distinction in the law between adoptive children and biological children)
- Have you had any out-of-pocket expenses related to this adoption that would not be reimbursed to you?
- This one is my favorite – What name would you like the proposed adoptee to assume?
Continue Reading Finally – the Finalization of an Adoption Part II of II