A relative adoption is the adoption of a child by his or her grandparent, great grandparent, aunt, uncle, great-aunt, great-uncle, cousin, or sibling. Before a grandparent, great grandparent, aunt, uncle, or adult sibling can adopt a child, that child must be “free for adoption,” satisfied through one of the following:

1. Parent(s) of the child gives written consent to the adoption, or

2. The child’s parent(s)’ parental rights are terminated.

After the child is legally free for adoption, then a Petition to Adopt may be filed. While adoption certification is not required of the adopting relative(s), the grandparent, great grandparent, aunt, uncle, or adult sibling (and all other adults in the home) are required to provide state and federal criminal records check (fingerprinting) and a Department of Child Safety central registry check (child abuse clearance) as part of their Petition to the Court. Provided there are no concerns on the part of the Court based on the file, then the case will proceed to a finalization hearing.

Compass Pointe's attorneys are experienced in navigating family members through the process of adopting a minor relative.