Delaware

Who may adopt?
An unmarried person.
Husband and wife jointly.
A divorced or legally separated person.
Residents of the State at the time of filing.
Over age 21.

Consent for adoption to be executed?
Consent by the mother can be given any time after the child's birth.
Consent by the natural father may be executed prior to or after the child's birth.

Revocation of consent?
Within 60 days of filing the petition of consent, a person wishing to revoke consent may petition the court.

Who may place a child for adoption?
The department of Social Services.
A licensed or authorized agency.

Advertising?
Only the department or a licensed agency may advertise in this State regarding the availability of adoption services or for the placement of a child for the purpose of adoption.

Facilitators?
No placement for an identified adoption in which an intermediary has been involved shall be approved. All petitions for adoption shall have attached an affidavit attesting that no intermediary assisted in locating the child.

Putative Father's Registry?
Yes. The putative father must register in the Registry of Paternity before the birth of the child or within 30 days after the birth of the child.

Expenses?
Birth parent –
Court costs.
Legal fees.
Department/Agency –
Court costs shall be paid by the petitioner.
The department or licensed agency may charge a service fee in the amount not to exceed the cost of services rendered.

Information provided in part by the Child Welfare Information Gateway.

Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | Next Chapter

Credits: Sandra Hanks Benoiton