Adoption is the legal process in which a person assumes responsibility for the health, safety, well-being, and financial support of another person—usually a child—and terminates the rights and responsibilities of the adopted person’s biological parent or parents.
In Arizona, adoption is governed by state statutes that outline the legal process by which an individual or couple can become the legal parents of a child, thereby assuming all responsibilities for the child's welfare. This process terminates the legal rights and responsibilities of the child's biological parents. Arizona law requires that prospective adoptive parents go through a home study process, obtain certification to adopt, and may require the consent of the child's biological parents, unless those rights have been legally terminated due to reasons such as abandonment, neglect, or unfitness. The adoption is finalized in court, and the adoptive parents are granted a decree of adoption, which legally establishes the parent-child relationship. It's important for those considering adoption in Arizona to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law to navigate the complexities of the adoption process and ensure compliance with all legal requirements.