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What is an Adoption Contract?
An adoption contract is a legal agreement between an adoption entity and an adopter that sets the terms and conditions of an adoption. The contract states who the parties are, when the adoption should take place, and what documentation is required to complete the adoption successfully. Most commonly used for the adoption of a child or animal, this contract sets forth the terms and conditions that must be strictly followed in order for an adoption to take place.
If the adoption contract is regarding a minor child, certain roles and responsibilites are undertaken by the adoptive parents, which are also included in the contract language.
What's Included in an Adoption Contract?
A typical Adoption Contract should include the following elements:
- Identification of the Parties: The agreement should clearly identify the birth parent(s) and the adoptive parent(s), including their full names, addresses, and other relevant information.
- Description of the Child: The agreement should clearly describe the child being adopted, including the child's name, age, and any other relevant information.
- Transfer of Custody: The agreement should specify the transfer of custody from the birth parent(s) to the adoptive parent(s), and the process for obtaining a court order to finalize the adoption.
- Financial Arrangements: The agreement should specify any financial arrangements between the birth parent(s) and the adoptive parent(s), including the payment of expenses, such as legal fees, medical expenses, and any other expenses related to the adoption.
- Contact and Communication: The agreement should specify the terms and conditions for contact and communication between the birth parent(s) and the child after the adoption, including any restrictions on contact, such as the frequency and nature of contact, and any conditions for the exchange of information.
- Representations and Warranties: The agreement should include representations and warranties by both the birth parent(s) and the adoptive parent(s) regarding the adoption, including any promises or obligations related to the adoption.
- Governing Law: The agreement should specify the governing law that will be used to interpret and enforce the terms of the agreement.
- Signatures: The agreement should be signed by both the birth parent(s) and the adoptive parent(s) to indicate their agreement to the terms and conditions outlined in the document.
It is important to note that the specific provisions of an Adoption Contract will vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific needs and circumstances of the parties involved. Adoptions are highly regulated, and it is always recommended to seek the advice of a qualified attorney to ensure that the agreement meets the legal requirements and protects the interests of all parties involved.
Adoption Contract Sample
ADOPTION CONTRACT
THIS AGREEMENT made on [DATE], between [BIRTH PARENT(S) NAME], with a mailing address of [BIRTH PARENT(S) ADDRESS] (hereinafter referred to as "Birth Parent(s)"), and [ADOPTIVE PARENT(S) NAME], with a mailing address of [ADOPTIVE PARENT(S) ADDRESS] (hereinafter referred to as "Adoptive Parent(s)").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Birth Parent(s) are the parent(s) of [CHILD NAME], [CHILD AGE] years old; and
WHEREAS, Adoptive Parent(s) desire to adopt [CHILD NAME];
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
- Identification of the Parties. Birth Parent(s) and Adoptive Parent(s) are identified as the parties to this Agreement.
- Description of the Child. [CHILD NAME], [CHILD AGE] years old, is identified as the child to this Agreement.
- Transfer of Custody. Birth Parent(s) shall transfer custody of [CHILD NAME] to Adoptive Parent(s). Adoptive Parent(s) shall obtain a court order to finalize the adoption.
- Financial Arrangements. [OPTIONAL: Birth Parent(s) shall pay [AMOUNT] to Adoptive Parent(s) to cover the costs of the adoption, including legal fees, medical expenses, and any other expenses related to the adoption.] [OPTIONAL: Adoptive Parent(s) shall pay [AMOUNT] to Birth Parent(s) for [EXPENSE DESCRIPTION].]
- Contact and Communication. [OPTIONAL: Birth Parent(s) shall have [CONTACT TERMS, SUCH AS FREQUENCY AND NATURE OF CONTACT, AND ANY CONDITIONS FOR THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION].]
- Representations and Warranties. [OPTIONAL: Birth Parent(s) represent and warrant that [REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY]. Adoptive Parent(s) represent and warrant that [REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY].]
- Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [STATE].
- Signatures. This Agreement shall be executed by both Birth Parent(s) and Adoptive Parent(s) and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date first above written.
Birth Parent(s) (Signature) Adoptive Parent(s) (Signature)
Who Helps With Adoption Contracts?
Lawyers with backgrounds working on adoption contracts work with clients to help. Do you need help with an adoption contract?
Post a project in ContractsCounsel's marketplace to get free bids from lawyers to draft, review, or negotiate adoption contracts. All lawyers are vetted by our team and peer reviewed by our customers for you to explore before hiring.
Meet some of our Adoption Contract Lawyers
Daniel R.
NY Admitted Lawyer 20+ years of experience. Focused on Startups , Entrepreneurs, Entertainers, Producers, Athletes and SMB Companies. I have been a part of numerous startups as Founder, CEO, General Counsel and Deal Executive. I have been through the full life cycle from boot strap to seed investors to large funds-public companies to successful exit. Let me use my experiences help you as you grow your business through these various stages. We saw a market for an on-line platform dedicated to Virtual General Counsel Services to Start Ups and Private Companies.
James M.
Reproductive law attorney focused on reviewing surrogacy contracts and sperm/egg/embryo donation contracts.
Jeffrey K.
I've been a Real Estate attorney for over 25 years. I handle real estate transactions, commercial collections, foreclosures, replevins, landlord tenant issues and small business matter.
Patrick N.
Before attending law school, I had a prior career in business performance reporting. This experience differentiates me from other attorneys. I can readily read, interpret, and synthesize financial reporting. I also have a passion for legal research and writing.
Wendy C.
My legal practice is focused on business transactions like general corporate matters, fundraising, technology contract negotiation, blockchain, crypto or token analysis, and others. I hope to be a good asset to you and looking forward to finding out how I can be of help!
Matthew S.
Attorney with a wide-range of experience
January 11, 2023
Christopher N.
Christopher Nuneviller has practiced in the securities, venture capital, corporate and emerging business sectors, and as a contract-advisor to the federal government, a federal government senior level executive, and as Army Judge Advocate. Like you, he also he is a partner in other business ventures and faces the same pressure to succeed, be profitable, and stay sane, all while making his clients, employees, family and business partners happy. As the managing partner for Philadelphia's MNB Meridian Law, Ltd., his focus is on assisting small and mid-sized businesses grow and thrive. As a business generalist, Christopher provides advice and counsel to businesses, their owners, investors and shareholders on matters ranging from formation, organization, governance, routine and special operations, and growth toward IPO. Christopher is also a former U.S. Army Judge Advocate having served seven years in Washington, D.C. where he gained significant experience with "above the fold" matters of great import and an unhealthy insight into the internal workings of the "beltway" underbelly. Mr. Nuneviller is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and before the Supreme Court of the United States, the Court of Federal Claims, and the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
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