The last step in the adoption process is adoption finalization in Nebraska. The completion of this step means that your child is a legal and permanent member of your family. You’ll be granted legal parental rights as well as a final decree of adoption when an adoption is finalized.

A Nebraska adoption finalization occurs no sooner than six months after you’re placed with your child. Before finalization can occur, there are several important things that must happen:

• Your child’s biological parents must terminate their legal parental rights in accordance with Nebraska adoption consent laws no sooner than 48 hours after the birth of a child.

• If you adopt across state lines, Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) clearance must be obtained before you can return home with your child.

• If you adopt a child of native heritage, you must complete the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) process, if applicable.

• You’ll need to complete all post-placement requirements with the supervision of your Nebraska-licensed home study provider.

Once you’ve met all the necessary requirements, your Nebraska adoption attorney will call you to schedule your NE adoption finalization hearing. This happens at least six months after placement, and it will take place in your local county court, which have jurisdiction over adoptions in Nebraska.

The Nebraska Adoption Finalization Hearing            

Most Nebraska adoption finalization hearings only last about 20 to 60 minutes. At your hearing, the judge will ultimately issue the final decree of adoption. This document completes your child’s adoption and verifies their legal status in your family.

At your Nebraska adoption finalization hearing, you can expect the following to take place:

• Your family will be sworn in.

• The judge may ask you a few questions, like why you chose to adopt and if you’re prepared to provide your child with a good home.

• The judge may ask your adoption attorney or social worker some questions about your adoption process.

• The judge will sign your final decree of adoption.

Your legal parental rights are officially granted and your child’s adoption is complete once you’ve been issued a final decree of adoption in Nebraska. Some adoptive families view their child’s adoption finalization as a time to celebrate and reflect on their adoption journey, so they may find a special way to commemorate the day.

After Receiving the Final Decree of Adoption in NE

Once your Nebraska adoption finalization process is complete, you can file for your child’s amended birth certificate and social security card.

The NE adoption process may legally end with finalization, but adoption is a lifelong process for birth and adoptive families as well as adoptees. One of the best ways to stay connected throughout that journey is to continue to talk about adoption as a family and to acknowledge that adoption doesn’t end with finalization.

If you need help with post-adoption resources or support, have any questions, or need help facilitating communication with birth family, please remember that you can call your specialist at American Adoptions at any time.

Call 1-800-ADOPTION now or request free adoption information online to learn more about the adoption process in Nebraska with our agency.

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