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Welcome to the ninth post in our series, Adopting In the 50 States. Today, we’re in Georgia – which is a part of the United States (OK birthers?).
Remember, I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV. Consult an attorney or other adoption professional with specific questions. If you have adopted in Hawaii and would like to share your experience with others, please leave a comment or email me at RobynC@adoptionblogs.com.
Who May Adopt In Hawaii?
Any legal adult may adopt in Hawaii. Married couples may adopt jointly.
When May Consent Be Signed?
The petition for relinquishment may be signed at any time after the expectant mother’s sixth month of pregnancy. However, the consent cannot be executed until after the child’s birth. Then, the biological parents must submit written “reaffirmation of their desires to relinquish”.
How Much Time Do the Birth Parents Have to Revoke Consent?
After the child has been placed with adoptive parents, consent is irrevocable.
Does Hawaii Have a Putative Father Registry?
Yes.
Does Hawaii Allow the Biological Father to Give Consent Before the Child is Born?
Yes. However, the consent cannot be taken until after the child is born.
Can Adoptive Parents Advertise to Find Expectant Parents?
There are not any laws in Hawaii regarding advertising for birth parents. However, Adoptive Families magazine reports that advertisements are not allowed.
Does Hawaii Allow the Use of Facilitators?
There are not any laws in Hawaii regarding the use of facilitators.
How Long Before Adoption Can Be Finalized?
About 2 to 3 months.
Which Expectant Mother Expenses Can Be Paid by the Adoptive Parents?
Hawaii does not have any laws regarding the payment of expectant parent expenses. In practice, the court decides what is reasonable and customary. Medical, legal, counseling, and living expenses, as well as lost wages, may be paid. The payments can last up to 2 months postpartum.
Can Out of State Residents Finalize in Hawaii?
Yes.
Does Hawaii Allow for Enforceable Open Adoption Agreements?
No. There are not any statutes in Hawaii regarding open adoption agreements.
Resources
- Adopting In Hawaii
- Child Adoption Laws, Hawaii
- Child Welfare Information Gateway, State Statutes
- Adamec, Christine. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Adoption. New York: Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 2004.
- Adoptive Families Magazine 2008
Photo Credit: Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection, University of Texas
