North Dakota Adoption Laws

Adoption Laws in North Dakota

Adoption Records Access

• Non-Identifying Information : Adopted adult or adopted parents are allowed to obtain non identifying information. A licensed child-placing agency may provide information about the death or medical to the adopted adult or birth parents.

• Identifying Information : Adopted adults may obtain the information through a licensed agency about the birth parents and siblings.

• Birth Certificate (Original): To obtain certificate, an adoptee must requests the court in which the adoption was finalized.

Consents

• Consent to an adoption shall be done by:
  Statute: - § 14-15-05
  • The mother
  • The father
  • A person having legal custody
  • The court having legal custody
  • The spouse

• Age Requirement for consideration of Adoptee Consent :
  Statute: - § 14-15-05
  A child of ten years of age or older must consent to the adoption.

• When Consent is not required :
  Statute: - § 14-15-06
  • If the parents fails to contact or support the child for one year.
  • If parental rights relinquished or have been terminated.
  • If the age of a person to be adopted is more or he is an adult person.
  • If licensed guardian unable to respond to the consent request.
  • If legal guardian is found to be withholding a consent unreasonably.

• Parental Consent can be executed :
  Statute: - § 14-15-07
  • Consent to adoption can be executed anytime after the birth of child.

• Consent Revocation:
  Statute: - § 14-15-08
  • If the court finds that the consent is in the best interest of child, then only consent revocation is possible before the final order of adoption.
  • After final decree entry of adoption, the consent can not be withdrawn..
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