What are the requirements for adopting a child?

In Oklahoma, there are certain requirements that must be met in order to adopt a child. First, you must be at least 18 years of age, or be a legal adult in order to adopt. You must also be financially and emotionally stable, and capable of providing for a child. Additionally, you must have a written consent from both birth parents (unless the child is a ward of the court or adopted through the Indian Child Welfare Act). In Oklahoma, anyone over the age of 21 may jointly adopt a child. If adopting a stepparent or relative, the adopting parent must have been the child’s primary caretaker for at least one year. The adopting parents must also pass a criminal background check that cannot show any past acts of violence or abuse. Before the adoption process can begin, the adopting family must receive approval from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. This approval is based on the family’s home environment, financial security, and other factors. The court then considers the best interests of the child in deciding whether to approve the adoption. When the adoption is approved, the family must sign a final decree of adoption which gives them legal rights and responsibilities for the child. Once the adoption is finalized, the adopting family has the same rights and responsibilities as any other parent. The adopted child will be given the same rights as a biological child, including inheritance rights, the ability to receive child support, and other benefits.

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