In the Minnesota adoption process, the final step is adoption finalization. After this step has been completed, your child is legally a permanent family member.

But before you can receive your child’s final decree of adoption at the adoption finalization in Minnesota, several things must happen:

• Your child’s biological parents will need to terminate their legal parental rights in accordance with Minnesota adoption consent laws, which state that consent may not be given sooner than 72 hours after the baby’s birth, and that consent is irrevocable after 10 days.

• If applicable in your adoption, you’ll need to adhere to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) and/or the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) before you may return to Minnesota with your child.

• You must complete all post-placement requirements under the guidance of your Minnesota-licensed home study professional.

When these requirements are met, your MN adoption attorney will notify you once your Minnesota adoption finalization has been scheduled, usually a few months after your child is initially placed with you. The adoption finalization hearing takes places at your local juvenile court, as they handle all adoptions in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Adoption Finalization Hearing: What to Expect

An adoption finalization hearing usually only lasts about 20 to 60 minutes, after which point the judge will issue the final decree of adoption, which is the final legal step in your child’s Minnesota adoption.

During a Minnesota adoption finalization hearing, this is what typically happens:

Step 1: You and your adoption attorney will be sworn in before the court.

Step 2: The judge may ask you some questions about why you want to adopt and whether you’re able to provide your child with a good home.

Step 3: The judge may ask your adoption attorney some questions about the adoption process.

Step 4: The judge will sign the final decree of adoption.

With the final decree of adoption, your child’s adoption in Minnesota is complete.

After You’ve Received the Final Decree of Adoption in Minnesota

After the Minnesota adoption finalization is completed, you’ll then be able to file for your child’s amended birth certificate and social security card.

But although the legal adoption process is over, adoption is an ongoing journey for everyone involved. Keeping up an ongoing conversation about adoption in your family is the best way to stay connected and to strengthen your bonds as a family.

Remember that you can always call American Adoptions with any questions, whether you need post-placement support, help facilitating communication with your child’s birth family, or anything else. You can learn more about adoption in Minnesota with our agency by calling 1-800-ADOPTION now.

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