Adopting In Oklahoma

Welcome to the thirty-sixth post in our series Adopting In the 50 States. Today, we’re in Oklahoma, which was also a revolutionary musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein. 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 Oklahoma and would like to share your experience with others, please leave a comment or email me at RobynC@adoptionblogs.com.

Who May Adopt In Oklahoma?

Any married or unmarried adult who is at least 21 years of age may adopt.

When May Consent Be Signed?

The birth mother may sign anytime after the child is born. If the birth father is married to the birth mother, he may sign anytime after the child is born. If the birth father is not married to the birth mother, he may sign anytime before or after the child is born.

How Much Time Do the Birth Parents Have to Revoke Consent?

Consent is irrevocable unless one of the following situations occurs:

• a petition to adopt was not filed within 9 months of the child’s placement.
• another consent or relinquishment was not executed.
• consent was given under fraud or duress.

Does Oklahoma Have a Putative Father Registry?

Yes.

Does Oklahoma Allow the Biological Father to Give Consent Before the Child is Born?

If the biological father is not married to the biological mother, then he can give consent before the child is born. If a biological father is married to the biological mother, he may not give consent until after the child is born.

Can Adoptive Parents Advertise to Find Expectant Parents?

Yes.

Does Oklahoma Allow the Use of Facilitators?

No.

How Long Before Adoption Can Be Finalized?

2-3 months.

Which Expectant Mother Expenses Can Be Paid by the Adoptive Parents?

The key word in Oklahoma is “reasonable”. Reasonable legal, medical, and counseling expenses may be paid. Reasonable travel and transportation costs related to the placement of the child may be paid. Reasonable living expenses for food, housing, clothing, utilities, and other “necessities” for the birth mother may be paid.

Living expenses may be paid only up to 2 months after the child is placed. Counseling expenses may be paid only up to 6 months after the child is placed.

Payments must be deemed “reasonable” by the court. According to Adoptive Families, expenses over $500 must be approved by the court.

Can Out of State Residents Finalize in Oklahoma?

Yes, but, according to Adoptive Families, it’s discouraged.

Does Oklahoma Allow for Enforceable Open Adoption Agreements?

Yes. The adoptive parent or parents and any birth relative may be party to an open adoption agreement. An agreement is only legally enforceable if it is approved by the court. Failure to comply with the agreement shall not be a reason to set aside an adoption decree.

Advice from Someone Who’s Been There

Lee lives in Wisconsin and adopted from Oklahoma. ICPC took less than 48 business hours. She was surprised by how quickly it went. She says:

I had a number of failed adoption attempts but I so clearly ended up with the child who was meant to be my son. During my lowest time, I was told, “The only people who don’t get their children are the ones who give up”. Those words kept me going during the times when I wanted to give up.

Resources

• Oklahoma Department of Human Services
• Adopting In Oklahoma
• Child Adoption Laws, Oklahoma
• 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

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