We all know Kansas is a wonderful place to raise a family. And adoption is just one way to add joy and love to your family. But even something like growing and adding to your family is not without its legal hurdles. So if you're thinking about adopting in the Sunflower State, it helps to be familiar with the statutes that regulate who can be adopted, by whom, and how. Here is an overview of adoption laws in Kansas.
State Laws on Adoption
State adoption laws can regulate who is allowed to adopt and also place special requirements for adoptive parents. Most state adoption laws are intended to protect the best interests of the person being adopted. Because the adoption process can be legally complex and involve court hearings and paperwork, an attorney could help you in understanding the law and what the legal requirements of adoptive parents will be.
Adoption Laws in Kansas
Each state is allowed to craft their own adoption laws, and therefore these laws can vary depending on where you live. For instance, while Kansas allows any single adult and any married couple to adopt, a married person may not adopt without his or her spouse’s consent. The details of Kansas’s adoption laws are listed below.
| Code Section | Kansas Statutes 59-2111, et seq.: Adoption |
| Who May Be Adopted | Any person; adult with consent (if married, spouse's consent also) |
| Age that Child's Consent Needed | 14 years and older and of sound intellect |
| Who May Adopt | Any adult, or married partners jointly, except one spouse cannot adopt without consent of other. |
| Home Residency Required Prior to Finalization of Adoption? | Not required |
| State Agency/Court | Social & Rehabilitation Services/District |
| Statute of Limitations to Challenge | Not specified |
Although Kansas law allows any person to be adopted, after the age of 14, the prospective adoptee must give their consent to the adoption. Kansas, like most other states, has adoption courts specifically designed to hear adoption proceedings and protect the best interests of the adoptee.
More Resources for Kansas Adoption Laws
The decision to adopt should not be taken lightly, as it can have serious emotional and legal consequences. You can visit FindLaw’s section on Adoption find additional articles and information on this topic. You can also consult with a Kansas adoption attorney in your area if you would like legal assistance regarding an adoption matter.
