Because adoption in Kansas is such a life-changing process, you want to make sure you complete every step legally and ethically — this includes your adoption finalization.

The moment your baby is placed in your arms for the first time is transcendent. It doesn’t just change your perspective; it changes your whole world. Any adoptive parent who has experienced this moment will try their best to describe it, but words always fail to capture the significance of it all.

It may be surprising to learn, then, that this life-altering moment is not actually the end of the adoption process. Adoptive parents still have a few steps left after placement in order to receive a final decree of adoption in Kansas.

Don’t worry, we are here to help and can answer all your questions. 

As a Kansas licensed, national domestic infant adoption agency, American Adoptions has helped thousands of adoptive families finalize their adoption. We would be honored to help you as well. This guide will explore how you can fully complete your adoption through finalization.

For birth mothers, there are no legal steps to complete a finalization on your end, but the emotional aspects may come into play. To speak with an adoption professional about the emotions of finalizing your adoption and counseling resources available, call 1-800-ADOPTION or click here to get more information.

How to Finalize Your Adoption in Kansas

Adoption finalization is the last step in the Kansas adoption process. Once finalization is completed, you’ll receive a final decree of adoption and be able to celebrate your child’s official and permanent status as a legal member of your family.

Even after your child has been placed with you, adoption finalization doesn’t occur until the following have been completed:

• The birth parents have consented to the adoption, no sooner than 12 hours after the birth of your child

• You have received clearance in accordance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and/or Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), if applicable

• You have completed post-placement in-home visits with your Kansas home study professional to ensure that you’re all adjusting well

An adoption finalization hearing will be scheduled in your local district court with your Kansas adoption attorney, usually about six months after the initial placement of your child.

When you choose our agency, your American Adoptions adoption specialist and your adoption attorney will notify you about when and where the hearing will take place, and let you know if there’s any additional paperwork you need to get in order before that date. Your adoption professional will put any of your worries to ease, ensuring you are completely prepared for such an exciting moment.

What You Can Expect at Your Kansas Adoption Finalization Hearing

At the adoption finalization hearing, a judge will issue the final decree of adoption that signifies your child is an officially recognized member of your family. This is the last step of the Kansas adoption process.

To mark the event, some adoptive families treat their Kansas adoption finalization hearing as a family celebration; they may invite extended family and friends, have a party, or invite a photographer to take family photos of the occasion.

The hearing leading up to the final decree of adoption is brief, typically only about 30–60 minutes long. Here’s what usually happens in a Kansas adoption finalization hearing:

• Your family, adoption attorney, and sometimes your social worker are sworn in before the judge

• You’re asked to introduce yourself and answer some questions, often including why you wanted to adopt, and explain your intentions to provide your child with a safe and loving home

• The judge will conclude with any final questions, and sign the final decree of adoption

• The judge may invite your family to take a group photo with the final adoption decree

That’s it! Your child’s adoption is final and the Kansas adoption process is complete.

After the Final Decree of Adoption is Issued in Kansas

After adoption finalization, you can file for an amended birth certificate and social security card for your child. Your American Adoption specialist will continue to be available to you as a resource for information and support, should you need them.

American Adoptions can also facilitate ongoing communication between you and your child’s birth family if you need it, and help you navigate post-adoption life with your new family member.

Ready to start your own Kansas adoption process with American Adoptions? Get more free information to start your journey today.

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