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 Oregon, adoption is a legal process that creates a new, permanent parent-child relationship where one did not exist before. It involves the transfer of all legal rights and responsibilities from the child's biological or legal parents to the adoptive parents. Once an adoption is finalized in court, the adoptive parents have the same rights and obligations as if they were the child's biological parents, and the child has all the rights of a biological child, including the right to inherit. The process requires the termination of the biological parents' legal rights, which can be voluntary or involuntary, depending on the circumstances. Oregon state statutes govern the adoption process, which includes home studies, background checks, and potentially post-placement supervision before the adoption can be finalized by a court. The process is designed to ensure the best interests of the child are served. It's important to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law to navigate the complexities of the adoption process in Oregon.