What Happens After the Adoption Papers Are Final?

The adoption process can be a long and emotional one for both the birth parents and the adoptive parents. Both families work closely with lawyers to ensure the adoption follows state guidelines, and the adoption case often ends up in a state court before it becomes final. After the adoption papers are finalized, both families are one step closer to ending the adoption process and moving on with their lives.

  1. Get Through Revocation Period

    • Some states allow a revocation period where the birth parents can change their mind after adoption papers are finalized. In Tennessee, for example, this revocation period is 10 days. However, if the birth parents revoke their consent to the adoption during this period, it does not mean the child will go back to the birth parents. It simply means that the adoption will go back to court, where a judge will determine where a child should be placed.

    Go Through Completion Process

    • Finalized adoption papers indicate one part of the final adoption process. However, most state courts have a detailed finalization process for adoptions. Thus, adoptive parents must anticipate this process as the adoption ends. In California, for example, the Department of Children and Family Services processes a significant amount of paperwork in conjunction with the finalization papers and holds a final hearing to complete adoption. The specific process will vary by state, but it often requires more than signing on the dotted line.

    Obtain New Birth Certificate

    • Once the state processes the final adoption papers, the adoptive parents must file for a new birth certificate for their adopted child. The new, state-issued birth certificate will indicate the adoptive parents as the child's legal parents. Most states require adoptive parents to file for the new birth certificate as soon as the adoption is finalized. In California, it takes six to eight months for the state to process the new birth certificate.

    Adjust to New Family Life

    • As the adoption process ends, the newly melded family must adjust to their new lives. In the case of an adopted child who is not an infant, this can be a challenge. Many adoption agencies and governmental departments offer support for families adjusting to adoption. Families can meet with counselors or social workers to adjust to the changes and address any issues that the adoptive child is experiencing.

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