New Hampshire Adoption Laws

Adoption Laws in New Hampshire

Adoption Records Access

• Non-Identifying Information: To obtain non identifying information, a person must be of 18 years of age or older. Adoptive parents of an adoptee can obtain the non identifying information.

• Birth Certificate (Original): NH resident and adult adopted person (from January 1, 2005) can obtain certificate.
  Adopted person must be of 18 years old or older.

• Contact Information : (for birth certificate)
  Division of Vital Records Administration
  Health & Welfare Building
  29 Hazen Drive
  Concord, NH 03301
  (603) 271-4650
  toll free: 1 (800) 852-3345. ext. 4651

Consents

• Consent to an adoption shall be done by:
  Statute: - § 170-B:5 (Effective from January 2, 2005)
  • The birth mother
  • Minor birth mother and legal or natural father (both are under age 18 years) requires consent from her/his parents or guardians
  • If parental rights are terminated
  • Any authorized agency having custody of the child
  • The department having custody of the child

• Age Requirement for consideration of Adoptee Consent :
  Statute: - § 170-B:3 (Effective from January 2, 2005)
  • A child of 14 years of age or older must consent to the adoption.

• When Consent is not required :
  Statute: - § 170-B:7 (Effective from January 2, 2005)
  • An unmarried father was unable to establish the paternity
  • Parental rights have been terminated

• Parental Consent can be executed :
  Statute: - § 170-B:8 (Effective from January 2, 2005)
  • At least 72 hours are required after the birth of the child

• Consent Revocation :
  Statute: - § 170-B:12 (Effective from January 2, 2005)
  • If parents willing to revoke consent, notification to the court before the final decree entry is must.
  • If the court finds that the consent was obtained by fraud or duress, then consent may be revoke.
  • If the court finds that this consent withdrawal is in the best interest of the child, then consent revocation is possible.
  • If entry of the final decree is done, then the withdrawal of consent is not possible.

Statutes

• Citation:
  New Hampshire Revised Statutes (1999),
  Sections 170-B:1 to 170-B:26
• Contact Information:
  Reference and Information Services
  State Library
  (603) 271-2239
• Fee Requirements: Yes