Understanding North Carolina Adoption Laws
Legal Rules for Adoption in North Carolina
North Carolina has laws about adoption to protect birth parents, adoptive parents, and children. At Heart to Heart Adoptions, we follow all North Carolina laws.
Important Legal Rules:
Giving Consent: In North Carolina, you must be 18 to agree to adoption on your own. If you’re under 18, you need a court-appointed guardian.
You can’t agree to adoption until after your baby is born.
Waiting Time: North Carolina law says you have to wait a certain amount of time before your consent becomes final. This gives you time to make sure about your decision.
Birth Father Rights: Birth fathers have rights under North Carolina law that we have to follow.
Court Process: All adoptions in North Carolina must go through the court to make sure everything is legal.
Legal Help We Give You
Heart to Heart Adoptions will:
- Find you a good adoption lawyer
- Pay for legal fees and court costs
- Make sure all papers are filled out right
- Help you understand each legal step
Changing Your Mind
North Carolina law gives you a specific amount of time to change your mind about adoption after you sign papers. We’ll explain these important time limits and your rights.
Adopting to Families in Other States
If you place your baby with a family in another state, there are extra legal rules we have to follow.
Here's what Crystal - from Rocky Mount, NC shared with us:
“I was nervous about all the legal rules for adoption in North Carolina because I didn’t understand the laws. Heart to Heart Adoptions explained everything – about giving consent, the waiting time, and birth father rights. Since I was over 18, I could agree to adoption on my own, but they told me I couldn’t sign anything until after my baby was born. They found me a good adoption lawyer and paid for all the legal fees and court costs. They made sure I understood the court process and my rights, including how long I had to change my mind. Having them handle all the North Carolina adoption laws made me feel safe and protected.”
If you need help with adoption in North Carolina, we're here for you.
No matter where you live in North Carolina – in the mountains or by the coast – Heart to Heart Adoptions will support you.
Call 24/7: 877-437-3424 Text Anytime: 801-563-1000
- How does Heart to Heart Adoptions help birth mothers?
- What support do pregnant women get in NC?
- Why choose adoption in North Carolina?
- What kind of relationship will I have with my child?
- Is adoption free for birth mothers in NC?
- Who pays for adoption legal costs
- What expenses does the agency cover?
- Can I get paid for placing my baby?
- What are the steps to place a baby for adoption?
- How do I start the adoption process in NC?
- What happens after I choose a family?
- How long does adoption take in North Carolina?
- What help do birth mothers get in NC?
- How long does birth mother support last?
- What expenses are covered during pregnancy?
- Who qualifies for birth mother assistance?
- What is open adoption in North Carolina?
- What’s the difference between open and closed adoption?
- How does the Hearts Connect app work?
- Can I stay in touch with my child?
- How do I choose an adoptive family?
- What should I look for in adoptive parents?
- Can I meet families before deciding?
- Where are adoptive families located in NC?
- What are North Carolina adoption laws?
- When can I sign adoption papers?
- What are birth father rights in NC?
- Can I change my mind about adoption?
