File an independent adoption request with the court
Once you complete your forms, you need to file them with the court and pay a filing fee of $20. The clerk may give you a date for an adoption hearing if all of the other necessary documents have been completed, signed, and filed.
Before you start
Once you have your paperwork and attach any required consent documents, you are ready to file your papers with the court. Be sure to make at least two copies of all documents before you file.
File an independent adoption request
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File your forms
Check the Find My Court page to find the courthouse in your county that accepts independent adoption filings.
At the courthouse, you’ll file the forms you filled out by giving the originals and the 2 copies to the clerk. The clerk will give you a case number and stamp the forms. The court will keep the original and return the copies to you.
Some courts require online filing (called e-filing). You can find out if your court requires online filing by visiting your court’s website or by contacting your Self-Help Center.
Yes, you can file by mail. Mail the original and 2 copies to the clerk. You need to include the filing fee (or request for fee waiver) and a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can mail your copies back to you. Make sure to include enough postage. If you do not include a self-addressed stamped envelope you will have to go to the courthouse to pick up your copies. -
Pay a filing fee
You’ll need to pay a fee of $20 to the clerk when you file your forms. If you can’t afford the fee, you can ask the clerk for a fee waiver. You qualify for a fee waiver if:
- You receive public benefits
- Your income is less than a set amount
- You can’t afford the fee and meet your basic needs
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Get a hearing date
The clerk will give you a hearing date and forward all of your documents to a court investigator.
Independent adoption
What's next?
Once you have filed your adoption request with the court, you will prepare for your independent adoption hearing.