New Hampshire Adoption Laws

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. New Hampshire Adoption Laws

  • 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
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