Adoption Packet

List of Forms

*Fillable online.

• How to Adopt a Child in California: ADOPT-050 INFO
• Adoption Coversheet : FLIN-8
• Adoption Request: ADOPT-200*
• Adoption Agreement: ADOPT-210*
• Adoption Expenses: ADOPT-230*
• Adoption Order: ADOPT-215*
• Adoption of Indian Child ADOPT-220*
• Indian Child Inquiry Attachment ICWA-010A*
• Parental Notification of Indian Status ICWA-020*
• Court Report of Adoption: VS44*

Stepparent Adoptions

If you are filing a stepparent adoption, Probate Court Services (PCS) will contact you after all of your documents have been submitted. PCS must conduct an investigation and prepare a PCS Report to the Court in Stepparent Adoptions. Before this investigation can begin, you are required to provide a number of specific documents to PCS. A court hearing for the adoption cannot be scheduled until the report is on file with the Court.

Failure to provide PCS with all necessary documentation will create unnecessary delays and you will not be able to proceed with the adoption.

Probate Department Home Page

Please keep in mind that it currently takes up to 12-18 months for the State of California Vital Statistics Division to issue a new birth certificate after the Judge has signed the Order of Adoption.

In all adoption cases, when all necessary documentation has been filed with the Court, you may call the Family Law Calendar Clerk at (707) 521-6641 to schedule a hearing date.

Adoption Information

If this is a STEPPARENT adoption:
Complete Adoption Request (form ADOPT-200) and file it in the office of the court clerk in the county in which you reside.

Cooperate with the person responsible for preparing a report to the court about the adoption.

Make sure that the following documents are filed:

1. Consent of the other person who will continue to be the child’s parent.
2. Consent or proof of death of the parent you will replace; or a petition to terminate that person’s parental rights.
3. Proof of service of the petition and notice to the parent you will replace if that person has not consented to the adoption.

When the report has been filed and all other matters completed, contact the clerk’s office to arrange for a court date for the adoption.

When you come to court, bring with you:

1. The child.
2. Your camera, if you wish photos with the judge.

If this is an INDEPENDENT, AGENCY, OR INTERCOUNTRY adoption:

Complete the Adoption Request (form ADOPT-200) and file it in the office of the Court Clerk in the county in which you reside.

Cooperate with the person responsible for preparing a report to the court about the adoption.

Make sure that all consents, relinquishments, and/or termination of parental rights procedures are completed. A completed accounting, completed order, and completed unsigned consent and agreement must be submitted prior to obtaining a hearing date.

When the report has been filed and all other matters completed, contact the clerk’s office to arrange for a court date for the adoption.

When you come to court, bring with you:

1. The child.
2. Your camera, if you wish photos with the judge.
3. Adult adoptions documents prepared on pleading paper.
4. Contact court for a sample.