In Pennsylvania, anyone can be adopted at any age. Depending on several factors, consent is required for an adoption to become finalized. The adoption attorneys of Notaro & Associates, P.C. have experience handling cases involving adoptions in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and can help clients looking to begin the process.

Consent to adopt is required by:

• The parents of an adoptee who is under 18 years old;
• The husband, if married to the natural mother at any time within 1 year prior to the birth of the adoptee, unless proven not be the father;
• The spouse of the adopting parent, unless the spouse joins in the adoption;
• An adoptee who is at least 12 years of age;
• The guardian of an incapacitated adoptee;
• The guardian or party having custody of the adoptee if there is no parent.

If parental rights have been involuntarily terminated, such as might be the case in the event of continuous abuse or neglect, consent is not required. Additionally, consent cannot be given until 72 hours after the child is born. All records of adoption are withheld unless a court order is granted. An adoptee who is 18 or older, or the adoptee's adoptive parents may request information on the natural parents that will not reveal their identity. Upon the request of the adoptee who is at least 18 years old, or the adoptive parents, the agency or court who placed the adoptee can attempt to contact the natural parents to obtain consent to release their identity. It is only at that time that information regarding the identity of natural parents can be released.

Adoptive parents are permitted to cover fees including medical and hospital expenses of the natural mother or on behalf of the child prior to adoption and reasonable expenses incurred by an agency for administrative costs and counseling or training services to the adoptive parents. It is also possible for the court to require the adoptive parents to pay the legal fees of the biological parents, guardian ad litem, or counsel not exceeding $150.00. All money paid by adoptive parents is to be included in the adoption report.

The adoption report is to be filed by an intermediary prior to adoption, and include an affidavit containing a statement of fees and expenses, extensive information concerning the child, and other statutorily required terms. At the adoption hearing, the adoptive parents and the adoptee must appear and if required, testify under oath. The court may also require the testimony of all persons who are required to give consent as well as any agency or individual who acted as an intermediary. The adoptive hearing can take place either in the county where the biological parents or adoptive parents live, where the adoptee formerly lived, or where the child-placing agency that has custody is located.

Adoption can be a very difficult process to maneuver alone. Let the experienced attorneys of Notaro & Associates, P.C. guide you through the adoption process.

To learn more about the process of adoption or to schedule a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION, please contact our office.

Notaro & Associates, P.C.
310 Grant Street, Suite 1125
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Phone: (412) 281-1988
Facsimile: (412) 281-1995
http://www.palegalservices.com/