Deleware

Adoption in Delaware

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

For Adoptive Families

In order to help you make an informed decision when beginning your adoption journey, we provide information about adoption laws specific to Delaware, as well as a list of Delaware Home Study Providers, to aid in your first steps in the adoption process. We also encourage you to check out our ADOPTIVE FAMILY PAGE to learn more about how adoption works and look forward to working with you in the future.

Delaware Adoption Law

Adoption laws can be confusing and overwhelming to find and decipher. We understand this frustration and have provided you with a quick summary of the common Delaware adoption laws in order to help you understand the laws that govern your state’s adoptions. NOTE: Under no circumstances should this information be relied upon as complete legal advice, a substitute for further legal advice, or applicable to your specific adoption. It is intended only to be a reference and not an exhaustive list of adoptions laws in Delaware.

Consent to Adopt

Birthmother can sign consent anytime 48 hours after birth. The signing of consent must be done before a court, and either an Attorney or an Officer. Birthfather can sign consent at any time before or after the birth. Consent can be revoked at anytime prior to 60 days after signing, however; a court hearing is required to revoke consent. The state does have a birth father registry.

Birthmother Living Expenses

Birthmother living expenses are not allowed to be paid.

Adoption Finalization

Finalization may occur 6-12 months from the date consent to adopt is irrevocable. The state does allow non-residents to finalize in the state of Delaware.

Delaware Home Study Providers

A home study, which is performed to ensure that you would be capable parents to an adopted child, is the first step in any adoption process. Multiple entities can perform a home study, but a few common ones are the Deleware Department of Human Resources, a licensed adoption agency, or another individual licensed by the Department of Human Services. Because there are multiple entities that can perform these important investigations, Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions has built a national database for you. These Home Study Providers have proven themselves to be professionals in the field of home studies and provide comprehensive and fully qualified home studies within Delaware. Please note though that this list is provided to you as a service, and any individuals or entities that are listed are independent of Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions and do not represent Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions. We do not receive any fee or portion of the home study provider’s fee.