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Welcome to the thirty-fifth post in our series Adopting In the 50 States. Today, we’re in Oregon, home of THE Shakespeare Festival. 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 Oregon and would like to share your experience with others, please leave a comment or email me at RobynC@adoptionblogs.com.
Who May Adopt In Oregon?
Any person may adopt as long as one party in the adoption has been a resident of Oregon for at least 6 months prior to the date of entering the adoption petition. One of the parents, adoptive or biological, must be a resident of Oregon.
When May Consent Be Signed?
According to Adoptive Families, the biological father may give his consent at any time, and the biological mother may give her consent any time after the birth of the child.
How Much Time Do the Birth Parents Have to Revoke Consent?
Consent is irrevocable.
Does Oregon Have a Putative Father Registry?
No.
Does Oregon Allow the Biological Father to Give Consent Before the Child is Born?
Possibly.
Can Adoptive Parents Advertise to Find Expectant Parents?
Yes, if they have an approved home study.
Does Oregon Allow the Use of Facilitators?
No.
How Long Before Adoption Can Be Finalized?
3-6 months.
Which Expectant Mother Expenses Can Be Paid by the Adoptive Parents?
Legal, medical, travel, and living expenses may be paid, as long as they are included in a written disclosure statement. The biological mother is entitled to three counseling sessions paid for by the prospective adoptive parents.
Can Out of State Residents Finalize in Oregon?
Yes, if one of the biological parents is a resident of Oregon.
Does Oregon Allow for Enforceable Open Adoption Agreements?
Yes. An adoptive parent and any birth relative may be a party to the agreement. The birth relative must have an established relationship with the child. Failure to comply with an open adoption agreement is not grounds for revoking the adoption.
Resources
- State of Oregon: Adoption Services
- Adopting In Oregon
- Child Adoption Laws, Oregon
- 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
