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Welcome to the forty fifth post in our series Adopting In the 50 States. Today, we’re in Washington, home to Microsoft, where I interned in 1996. (But they don’t hire tech writers anymore, sadly.) 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 Washington and would like to share your experience with others, please leave a comment or email me at RobynC@adoptionblogs.com.
Who May Adopt In Washington?
Any person who is over the age of 18 and is legally competent may adopt.
When May Consent Be Signed?
Consent may be signed any time before the birth of the child. However, it cannot be executed until 2 days after the child’s birth. If the child is Native American, then the consent cannot be executed until 10 days after the child’s birth.
How Much Time Do the Birth Parents Have to Revoke Consent?
Consent may be revoked until it is approved by the court, which occurs 48 hours after the consent has been signed or 48 hours after the birth of the child, whichever is later.
Does Washington Have a Putative Father Registry?
Yes.
Does Washington Allow the Biological Father to Give Consent Before the Child is Born?
Yes, but consent cannot be executed until 48 hours after the child’s birth.
Can Adoptive Parents Advertise to Find Expectant Parents?
Yes, if they have a home study.
Does Washington Allow the Use of Facilitators?
Yes.
How Long Before Adoption Can Be Finalized?
One to six months.
Which Expectant Mother Expenses Can Be Paid by the Adoptive Parents?
Medical and legal expenses can be paid. Other expenses may also be allowable.
Can Out of State Residents Finalize in Washington?
Yes.
Does Washington Allow for Enforceable Open Adoption Agreements?
Yes. An agreement may be entered into by the birth parents and the adoptive parents. Agreements are legally enforceable only if they are written and presented in court. Failure to comply with the agreement will not void the adoption.
Resources
- Washington State Department of Social & Health Services
- Adopting In Washington
- Child Adoption Laws, Washington
- 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
