Adoption in Pennsylvania is governed by the Adoption Act (23 Pa.C.S. Chapter 21 et seq.) and requires court approval through the Orphans' Court division. Every adoption — whether agency, private, stepparent, or international — must serve the best interest of the child.
Stepparent adoption: The most common type in Bucks County. The stepparent petitions to adopt the spouse's child. Requires either consent of the non-custodial biological parent or involuntary termination of their parental rights under 23 Pa.C.S. § 2511. Under Bucks County Local Rule 15.5A, termination can be alleged in the adoption petition itself — a separate termination filing is not required for stepparent and kinship adoptions.
Kinship/relative adoption: Grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives who have been caring for the child. Often arises when biological parents are deceased, incarcerated, or have abandoned the child.
Agency adoption: Through a licensed adoption agency. The agency handles matching, home study, and placement supervision.
Private/independent adoption: Direct placement by the biological parent(s) without an agency intermediary. Requires court approval and a home study.
International re-adoption: Pennsylvania allows (and Bucks County processes) re-adoption of a child adopted abroad, establishing a Pennsylvania birth certificate and ensuring the adoption is recognized under domestic law. Pa.O.C. Rule 15.9.
Before most adoptions can proceed, the biological parent's rights must be terminated — either voluntarily (by signed consent) or involuntarily (by court order). Involuntary termination under § 2511 requires proving one of nine statutory grounds, including abandonment (6+ months without contact or support), incapacity, or repeated abuse/neglect. The standard of proof is clear and convincing evidence.
Almost all adoptions require a pre-placement home study evaluating the prospective adoptive family's home, background, finances, and ability to care for the child. In Bucks County, home studies are conducted by licensed agencies or approved evaluators.
Consent & Revocation
A biological parent's consent to adoption cannot be given until at least 72 hours after birth. Once properly executed, consent is irrevocable after 30 days unless obtained by fraud or duress. This timeline is critical for both birth parents and adoptive families.
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