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Kansas Adoption Statutes and Procedures You Should Know – Reviewed by Kansas Adoption Attorney

Kansas Adoption Statutes and Procedures You Should Know – Reviewed by Kansas Adoption Attorney
January 6, 2016 James Greenier

The process of adoption creates an exciting time for families, yet the necessity of properly preparing yourself is essential before proceeding successfully. Adoption laws are governed individually according to state, therefore it is important to educate yourself specifically on Kansas’s laws or speak with a qualified Kansas Adoption Attorney. There are many adoption statutes specific to Kansas that can expand your knowledge base and solidify your understanding of the expectations, timeline and requirements involved. Certain statutes address various aspects of adoption directly, specifically Article 21 of Chapter 59, and relevant areas will be covered in this article although not exhaustively. Extensive research or thorough conversation with a legal adviser will only serve to help streamline the adoption process and your understanding as you move forward.

Statutes Addressing Who Can Adopt in Kansas

The ability to adopt a child is a privilege not a right and therefore comes with certain qualifying standards. For example, K.S.A. §59-2113 specifically states that “Any adult, or husband and wife jointly, may adopt and minor or adult as their child in the manner provided K.S.A. 59-1111 through 59-2143, except that one spouse cannot do so without the consent of the other.” The statute does not specifically state any restrictions or other qualifications other than the adult must be 18 years of age. There is no language prohibiting LGBT adoptions however protocol in this arena has not been officially standardized and limitations may exist. Prospective parents applying for adoption must also be able to show a healthy, clean, stable demeanor and home environment. The court also requires a variety of background checks and will heavily weigh the results when deciding whether or not to grant the adoption.

The Adoption Process in Kansas

There are various types of adoption and each subjective type may alter the way adopting parents wish to proceed. Each form of adoption may require different steps or requirements, but the majority are initiated by filing a petition for adoption with the local court. Once a petition has been filed prospective parents must complete a training program and a representative agent will conduct a home study. Both help to prepare parents for the upcoming process, and ensure their lives are fit and suitable to care for a child. The home study involves an in depth conversation with parents and other relevant individuals as well as a thorough inspection of the living environment, financial stability, emotional and mental well-being and accommodations the child will be subjected to. Parents must also submit to background checks to evaluate criminal history and financial stability. If necessary parties feel the family is fit, the process will continue and a child will be searched for and selected.

Contact Kansas Call Kansas Adoption Attorney Tom McDowell Today to Understand Adoption Laws in Kansas

Each state has its own specific set of adoption laws and Kansas is no different. Call Kansas Adoption Attorney Tom McDowell today at (316) 633-4322 to ask questions regarding laws in Kansas in order to successfully grow your family through adoption today.