arizona adoption Laws

Each state maintains its own adoption policies, so the process can vary considerably for families, from state to state. Learn all about the legal guidelines for families adopting in Arizona, whether you’re adopting a newborn through domestic, private adoption, an infant or older child from U.S. foster care adoption, or an infant, toddler, or older child through international adoption. Find answers to the most common questions about Arizona adoptions, as well as related articles from the AF archives.

Ready to find an Arizona adoption agency, adoption lawyer, or adoption doctor? Return to the main Arizona Adoptions page.


WHO CAN ADOPT?
Any adult resident of the state, whether married or single, or legally separated.

DOMESTIC ADOPTION
Can adoptive parents advertise for birthparents?
Yes.

Can out-of-state residents finalize an adoption?
No.

Can adopting parents use an adoption facilitator or another paid intermediary?
Not unless the adoption facilitator is employed or affiliated with a licensed adoption agency or is a licensed attorney in Arizona (the fees for the attorney’s service must be approved by the court).

What birthparent expenses may be paid, and in what time period?
Otherwise unreimbursed medical, legal, and counseling expenses without prior court approval. If living expenses exceed $1000, court approval necessary in advance.

• Birthmother Expenses: What You Need to Know

Is there a putative father registry?
Yes.

• Birthfathers’ Rights
• Birthfather Registries

When can consent to adoption be granted?
72 hours after birth.

When does consent become irrevocable? If consent is revoked, is return to birthparent automatic?
Upon signing.

Are post-adoption contact agreements legally enforceable?
Yes, as long as the agreement is in writing and approved by the court.

• Ask the Attorney: Open-Adoption Agreements
• Ask the Open Adoption Expert: Contact Agreements

INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION
Is a foreign adoption decree automatically recognized by the state?
Not addressed in state statutes.

Can parents readopt in this state? Is it mandatory?
Yes, but whether or not it’s mandatory is not addressed in state statutes.

• Clip-and-Save: Readoption Explained
• Readoption: The Final Step

When will a U.S. birth certificate be issued?
A certificate of foreign birth can be created for an adopted child who has been issued an IR-3 visa and for whom a readoption process has been completed in a court in the state if the parent provides either (1) an original State of Arizona certificate of adoption or (2) a certified court order of adoption issued by a court in the state and either a birth certificate from the country of the adopted person’s birth or any other written documentation, translated into English, that established the date and place of the adopted person’s birth.

• Clip-and-Save: Post-Adoption Paperwork

ADOPTION FROM FOSTER CARE
Are adoption subsidies available? When do they start and how long do they last?
Yes, subsidies are available for a special needs child, who is defined as having one of the following: 6 years or older, racial and ethnic factors, member of a sibling group being placed together, has or is at high risk for developing physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disability. After the child has been placed and the adoption assistance agreement has been signed by the adopted parents and the adoption subsidy supervisor.

Where can I learn more about the process of adopting a child from foster care in Arizona?
https://www.azdes.gov/dcyf/adoption/

• Adopting from Foster Care: How to Get Started

ARIZONA ADOPTION UNIT
Administration for Children, Youth and Families
PO Box 6123 - 940A
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 542-5499
acause@azdes.gov
https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?menu=102&id=1242

Compiled in April 2011.

Disclaimer: The state laws and policies outlined above are offered to readers only for general information and do not constitute legal advice. Furthermore, the state laws were accurate at the time of compilation, but Adoptive Families cannot guarantee that there have been no subsequent changes or revisions to the laws. Please do not rely on the information above without first consulting an adoption attorney licensed in your state.

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