Order of adoption or return of child; presumption of child’s best interest after adoption is granted.
1. If the court finds that the best interests of the child warrant the granting of the petition, an order or decree of adoption must be made and filed, ordering that henceforth the child is the child of the petitioners. When determining whether the best interests of the child warrant the granting of a petition that is filed by a foster parent, the court shall give strong consideration to the emotional bond between the child and the foster parent. A copy of the order or decree must be sent to the nearest office of the agency which provides child welfare services by the petitioners within 7 days after the order or decree is issued. In the decree the court may change the name of the child, if desired. No order or decree of adoption may be made until after the child has lived for 6 months in the home of the petitioners.
2. If the court is not satisfied that the proposed adoption is in the best interests of the child, the court shall deny the petition and may order the child returned to the custody of the person or agency legally vested with custody.
3. After a petition for adoption has been granted, there is a presumption that remaining in the home of the adopting parent is in the child’s best interest.
Last modified: February 25, 2006