Adoption Center of Northern California

Adoption in California – Know Your Choices

Adoption in California doesn’t have to be a confusing process.

• Adoptions Laws are Created by Individual States (including California)
• Through the Court Process, Parental Rights are Transferred from
  Birth Mothers to Adoptive Parents
• Adoptive Parents are Legally Responsible for the Adopted Child
  

California Public & Private Adoption

Birth Mothers choose from either licensed California Public or
Private Adoption Agencies. 
Free Adoption Search allows Birth Moms to pick the Most Loving
Option for their Child. 

Open Adoption makes it easy for Birth Parents and Adoptive Children
to maintain communication in the future. 

Agency Adoption

• Adoption Agency takes Legal Custody of Child during Adoption Process.
• Agency Adoption requires Birth Parents to Relinquish Child to Adoption Agency.

Independent Adoption

• Private Social Worker & Adoption Services Provider (ASP) –
  Act as Birth Mother’s Advocate
• Birth Parents Advised of Legal Rights BEFORE Adoption Placement.

Adoption in California is also assisted by the
California Department of Social Services.
Couples interested in adoption can go through their local county foster/adoption programs or choose International Adoption.

Birth Father’s Rights in California

Adoption in California takes Birth Father’s Rights
into consideration before placing children with Adoptive Families.
There are two types of legal status in California.

Presumed Father - Higher Status

Consent to Adoption IS REQUIRED:

• Married to Birth Mother
  OR
• Name is Listed on Child’s Birth Certificate
  OR
• Receives the Child into His Home &
  Holds the Child Out to the Community as His Own
  

Alleged Father - Lower Status

Consent to Adoption is NOT Required:

• Name is NOT Listed on  Child’s Birth Certificate
  OR
• NOT Married to Birth Mother
  OR
• Did NOT Receive Child into Home
  

Don’t Let Confusing Adoption Forms
& Adoption Papers Overwhelm You!
Contact Adoption Center of Northern California TODAY!

Our caring, knowledgeable legal staff is available to answer all your Adoption Questions.
All calls are strictly confidential.

Nanci R. Worcester, Adoption Attorney
Toll-free: 800-523-6781