An adoption can be a cheerful occasion and an opportunity to expand your family. It can also be a legally complex and potentially confusing one as well, due to some of the statutory requirements surrounding the adoption process. In fact, without the help of a lawyer, the average Oregonian might have trouble making sense of the Beaver State’s laws that regulate who can be adopted, by whom, and how. This is a brief overview of adoption laws in Oregon.
State Adoption Laws
The regulations regarding adoption generally exist at the state level, and can determine everything from who is allowed to be adopted to any special requirements for adoptive parents. In order to adopt under Oregon law, both spouses must join in the adoption unless they are legally separated.
Adoption Laws in Oregon
State adoption laws can vary from state to state, and it is important to know which regulations apply to where you live. The details of Oregon’s adoption statutes are listed in the chart below.
| Code Section | Oregon Revised Statutes109.304, et seq.: Adoption |
| Who May Be Adopted | Any person; any adult who consents |
| Age that Child's Consent Needed | 14 years and older |
| Who May Adopt | Any person who is a resident of Oregon for 6 months. If petitioner is married, spouse must join. Compliance with Indian Child Welfare Act required if applicable. |
| Home Residency Required Prior to Finalization of Adoption? | Not required |
| State Agency/Court | Dept. of Human Services/Probate or Circuit |
| Statute of Limitations to Challenge | 1 year |
Like many other states, Oregon allows any adult, single or married, to adopt, and any person to be adopted. Adoptive parents must get the child’s consent after the age of 14. Oregon also allows same-sex couples to adopt as co-parents or as step-parents. In many states, adoption courts have been created in order to look out for a child’s best interests during the adoption process.
Oregon Adoption Laws: Related Resources
Adoption procedures can be extensive, and the state statutes and policies concerning adoption can be complex. Even the simplest adoption can be a momentous process. You can find more information and resources in FindLaw’s sections on Adoption and Adoption Laws. For help in understanding the law and what your legal requirements might be, you may want to consult with an attorney. You can contact an Oregon adoption attorney in your area if you would like legal advice regarding an adoption matter.
