Knowing Oklahoma State Adoption Laws Can Save You Some Heartache
Having an understanding of Oklahoma state adoption laws can help you in the long run. Whether you are considering adopting your firt child or taking in a family member, having a trusted professional in your corner can save you mentally and financially. Don’t go it alone, contact Charles McCaskey Law to help you through the process.
What Are The Adoption Laws?
Oklahoma has a lot of newly enacted laws to help make sure that every adopted child is raised in a loving and safe home. This helps make sure the child is cared for before, during and after the process is complete. There is a delicate balance between maintaining privacy and keeping accurate records with the State Of Oklahoma.
Knowing Adoption Terminology
There are a lot of terms in the Oklahoma Adoption Code. Understanding this terminology can help navigate the Oklahoma adoption laws easier. Lists of resources are available through the State Website.
Definitions And Terms
- Abandonment, as used in the course of adoption proceedings refers to any of the following.
- A parent who fails, for six consecutive months out of the last 14 months, to maintain a substantive, positive relationship with the minor child. This may be defined as:
- Frequent, regular visits or communication.
- Fully exercising parental rights as defined by a court of law. This is a tricky definition. It is something you’ll want clarity on before proceedings begin.
- When a parent places a minor child in protective custody or with a licensed adoption agency, the law does not consider this abandonment.
- A parent who fails, for six consecutive months out of the last 14 months, to maintain a substantive, positive relationship with the minor child. This may be defined as:
- Adoptee: The person to be adopted or who has been adopted.
- Adult: Anyone involved in the proceedings over the age of 18.
- Minor: A person under the age of 18.
- Child placing agency: Any welfare agency that is licensed by the Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing act, and authorized to place minors for adoption.
- Contested proceeding: When any interested party contests any part of the adoption proceedings.
- Whether or not an individual qualifies as an “interested party” is determined by the court on a case-by-case basis. Consult your attorney if you have concerns in this area.
- Department of Human Services: Often referred to as “The Department”.
- Direct placement adoption: An adoption that occurs without the assistance of the department of human services.
- Parent: The adoptive child’s legally-recognized adoptive or biological parent.
Knowing how to navigate these terms is a good start, but that doesn’t mean that these laws are not still confusing to some. If you are in, or considering being in an Oklahoma adoption proceeding, call the office of Charles McCaskey today. We will give you the representation you deserve to make sure that your adoptive child has a safe, happy, and full life and help you overcome any obstacle. Contact us now.