North Carolina

Adoption in North Carolina

If you live in North Carolina and are pregnant and considering adoption, please visit our For Birthmothers page for more information on how the adoption process works.

For Adoptive Families

Below you will find a short summary regarding adoption laws in North Carolina. You will also find a rundown of Home Study Providers to assist you in taking the first step in the adoption process as an adoptive family. If you’re just starting out in your adoption journey as a soon-to-be adoptive family, please look at our ADOPTIVE FAMILY PAGE to find out more material about the adoption process.

North Carolina Adoption Law

Attempting to find and interpret a concise summary of adoption laws that dictate North Carolina adoptions can be a difficult task. The following is a list of the most common adoption laws that dictate North Carolina adoptions. In no way is this information meant to be regarded as complete guidance or applicable to your adoption. It should be used as a reference only.

Consent to Adopt

Birthmother can sign consent at anytime after the birth. The signing of consent must be witnessed by a Notary or Adoption Agency. Birthfather can sign consent at any time before or after the birth. Consent can be revoked at anytime prior to 7 days after signing, however; a court hearing is required to revoke consent. The state does not have a birth father registry.

Birthmother Living Expenses

Birthmother living expenses are allowed to be paid with no specified maximum. Up to 6 weeks of postpartum expenses may be allowable.

Adoption Finalization

Finalization may occur 6 months from the date consent to adopt is irrevocable. The state does not allow non-residents to finalize in the state of North Carolina.

North Carolina Home Study Providers

A home study, the first step in the North Carolina adoption process, is performed to make sure that you would be qualified and acceptable parents to a future child that you may adopt. These may be done by the North Carolina Department of Human Resources or other licensed individuals and agencies. Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions has, through its years as an agency, created a national database of professional, licensed, and thorough Home Study Providers since there is a multitude of agencies that can assist you in your home study process.

All individuals and entities listed are independent of and do not represent Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions. Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions does not receive any fee or portion of the home study provider’s fee for making this information available to you. This service is provided for you in the interest of a positive adoption and should be regarded as such.