Common Adoption FAQ

Once I/we adopt in our home state, is it valid in all states?

Mon, 12/29/2008 - 18:32

Currently yes. Once an adoption is finalized regardless of the state the adoptive parents are viewed with the same legal rights and responsibilities of a biological parent. For example, if a male couple jointly adopts in Washington and travels to Florida for a vacation, Florida would still recognize them both as the child(ren)'s legal parent. If you moved to another state that would not permit you to adopt, but you adopted prior to moving to that state, your adoption would (currently) still be legally recognized.

Can we travel outside the United States with our adopted child(ren)?

Mon, 12/29/2008 - 18:29

Yes. Once your adoption is finalized you no longer have to check with the social workers. You have the same legal rights and responsibilities as would an biological parent. However, from personal experience we suggest that you always keep a photocopy of your certified adoption decree whenever you travel. This is especially true for male couples. Think of it this way. Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. For gay and lesbian families it may be the case to always travel with your adoption paperwork even when traveling within the United States.

If we move to a state that allow second parent adoptions after we finalize in our current state, can we peruse this option?

Mon, 12/29/2008 - 18:28

In most cases yes. Actually the Wing-Kovarik’s also encountered this situation. They started their adoption in a state which did not allow them both to jointly adopt and did not allow second parent adoption. We suggest that once you’re settled in the new state, or if you know the state you may be moving to, contact an adoption lawyer in that state. In the case of the Wing-Kovarik’s , just before starting their home study they took a job transfer to Washington, which does allow for joint adoption.

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