What are the rights of a child in an adoption?

Most adoptions are focused on what’s best for the child, but not necessarily the rights of the child. Adoption can be a journey full of emotions, ups and downs, and more. There can be sadness and overwhelming joy centered in the same situation. One aspect of adoption that is not frequently discussed is the occasions on which an adoptee has questions about their rights post-adoption. 

“How do I know my family health information?”

Adoption typically is a process that terminates the biological parent’s rights to receive information about the child, eliminates visits and communications as well. There are occasions when there is a necessity for communication to occur. One such scenario is when a child needs to receive essential family health information from their biological parents. 

“Are my rights any different than a birth child?”

Many do not realize that adopted children have the same rights as biological children in every other family. All children have the right to receive emotional and financial support from birth parents, adopted or biological. Adoptive parents have the same legal responsibility to their adopted children as they do any biological children to provide care and financial support until the child reaches the age of 18.

“Is my adoption permanent?”

While your state may have a registry where biological parents can consent to provide identifying information, after the court finalizes the adoption, biological parents no longer have a right to information or visitation with the adoptee. With few exceptions, an adoption is permanent. 

If you are adopted and need medical information about your biological parents, or you’d like to learn more about your adoption, contact an experienced family law attorney in your area.