Adoption is basically a statutory procedure. It includes the adoption of a child by a relative or other unrelated person, the adoption of a stepchild by a stepparent, the adoption of a child in a foreign country, or even the adoption of an adult.

Adoptions can be conducted either by:

• Residence: Either the adoptee or the adoptive parent(s) must have lived in North Carolina for at least the six (6) months immediately before the petition for adoption is filed OR the adoptee must have lived in North Carolina since birth.


• Venue: The petition must be filed in the county where:


• The petitioner lives or is domiciled; or
• The adoptee lives; or
• The agency that places the child is located.


• Timing: Generally, a petition for adoption must be filed no later than thirty (30) days after the child is placed with the petitioner or North Carolina acquires jurisdiction to hear the petition, whichever occurs later.


• Consent/Relinquishment: In an agency adoption, the placing parent or guardian must execute a relinquishment, which vests legal and physical custody in the agency. In a direct placement, the placing parent must execute a consent, unless his or her consent is not necessary (See Consent).


• Notice: Notice of the adoption proceeding must be served no later than thirty (30) days after filing a petition unless the person entitled to receive notice waives his or her right (See Notice).


• Report to Court: This is the written report for the Court prepared by the agency that placed the minor or by the agency that conducts a pre-placement assessment.


• Hearing on or Disposition of Petition to Adopt a Minor: A date must be set no later than ninety (90) days after the filing of the petition and must be heard no later than six (6) months after the petition is filed.


• Adoption Decree: This must conform to the requirements set forth in NCGS Section 48-2-206.