What is a relinquishment of parental rights?
A relinquishment of parental rights in Delaware is a legal process whereby a parent voluntarily gives up all their rights and responsibilities to a child. During this process, the parent’s legal rights to the child are terminated and the child is given up for adoption. This is often done when a parent believes they are unable to provide adequate care for their child and is done voluntarily. The relinquishment of parental rights can be done in court if the child is a minor, or through a private adoption agency if the adult adoptee consents to the relinquishment. In Delaware, the process requires the parent or guardian to sign a document known as a surrender document, or relinquishment of parental rights form, which is then notarized. The form details the background of both the child and the parent and gives the parent the option to choose the type of adoption for their child. The relinquishment of parental rights also requires the consent of the child if they are of a certain age. There are a few steps to this process, including an appearance in court, obtaining the consent of the court and the adoption agency, and completing the adoption paperwork. Once the process is completed, the child is legally adopted and the relinquishing parent no longer has any legal rights or responsibilities to the child.
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