Are there any special requirements for adopting an older child?

In North Dakota, the requirements for adopting an older child are the same as for any other adoption. The adoptive parents must be at least 18 years old and married, or be the legal guardian of the child, or an unmarried adult who is related to the child by blood or marriage. Additionally, the adoptive parents must be able to provide financially and emotionally for the child, as stated by North Dakota law. In order to adopt an older child, the prospective adoptive parents must complete an approved home study, which usually takes several months. During the home study, the adoptive parents will meet with a social worker who will come to their home to talk with them, to review their financial situation, and to make sure that their home is appropriate for a child. The social worker will also talk with the adoptive parents about their expectations, and help them to understand the unique needs of an older child. In North Dakota, the adoptive parents must also pass criminal background checks and be interviewed by a judge before the adoption is finalized. A petition for adoption must also be filed, and the judge will review the petition and decide whether the adoptive parents are qualified to adopt the child. The court will also consider the recommendation of the social worker before making a decision.

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