What are the legal steps I must complete in order to adopt a child?

In order to adopt a child in Nebraska, you must first fill out an adoption petition. This petition must include basic information about the prospective adoptive parents, such as full legal names, dates of birth, addresses, occupations, and also any relevant information about the child they wish to adopt. Once the petition is submitted, you will be scheduled for an interview with a social worker. During this meeting, the social worker will assess your home life, relationships, and overall preparedness to be an adoptive parent. You will also need to provide a copy of your criminal background check at this meeting. After the interview is approved, you will be able to submit an application to the court to start the legal proceedings. The court will then appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to investigate the adoption circumstances and serve the child’s best interests. The GAL may require that you attend an adoptions orientation class, as well as conduct a home study. If the court finds that the adoption is in the best interests of the child, it will issue a final adoption decree, which officially makes you the legal parent of the child. After the adoption is finalized, you can apply for a new birth certificate and social security card for the child. Once all these steps are completed, the adoption is complete!

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What are the legal steps I must complete in order to adopt a child?

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