California Independent Adoption

In an independent adoption, the party or parties adopting the child usually have no direct biological ties to the child being adopted. In some situations, the birth parent(s) may personally meet and select the adoptive parent(s).

In all cases where a child is available for independent adoption, the process begins by filing a Petition for Adoption in the county where the adoptive parents reside. The court will give notice to the Department of Social Services who will complete an investigation.

The Department of Social Services will create a report of their findings and provide it to the court. The court will then decide whether or not the adoption is in the best interests of the child and whether the Petition will be granted. The court may require the prospective adoptive parents to have medical examinations performed by a physician.

In an independent adoption, the timeline for the adoption process will vary based on when the prospective adoptive parents have been chosen by birth parents.

The law covering California independent adoptions is outlined in Family Code Sections 8800-8823.

The Nuts and Bolts of Independent Adoption in California

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Adoption Services We Offer
Price
Uncontested Stepparent Adoption - one minor child
(for each additional minor child add $150)
$499*
Petition to Terminate Parental Rights of unknown father $599
Petition to Terminate Parental Rights (Willful Failure to Support or Abandonment) $599
Adult Adoption - 1 adoptor & 1 adoptee
(add $150 if there are 2 co-adoptors)
$599
Independent Adoption $650*
Other Adoption Services Call for Quote
*Adoptions involving children with Native American ancestry will have higher fees.