Adoption is a judicial proceeding that creates a parent-child relationship between two previously unrelated people, which is legally enforceable for all purposes, including child support obligations, inheritance rights and custody. In most cases, the biological parents' legal relationship to the adoptee is terminated. The most prevalent exception to this rule is adoption by step-parents, in which one of the parents maintains the parent-child relationship. Biological parents can also arrange by contract with the adoptive parents to maintain some rights, such as visitation.In Kentucky, any resident 21 years of age or older may file a petition for adoption. The most important factor in the court's decision to grant the adoption will be the best interests of the child. Toward that end, a prospective adoptive parent must demonstrate sufficient means and ability to care for the child and to see to his/her education.A blood relationship can also be an important consideration in contested adoption cases, but it is not controlling; the trump card, so to speak, is always the best interests of the child.
A $150 adoption fee will be collected by the court. Several other fees will be collected during the adoption process, in addition to any legal fees charged by your attorney.
