California

For Adoptive Families

If you are an adoptive family and are just starting your adoption journey, our ADOPTIVE FAMILY PAGE is a great place to start learning about how adoption works. If you want information beyond the basics, we provide some brief information regarding adoption laws in California. We also provide a list of Home Study Providers, which is a great resource if you’re looking to take your first step in your adoption journey.

California Adoption Law

Quick and simple answers to your California adoption law questions can be frustrating to find. Once you find specific laws, deciphering each law statute can be overwhelming. We understand this, so below we provide a quick summary of some of the most common California adoption laws. NOTE: Under no circumstances should this information be relied upon as complete legal advice or applicable to your specific adoption. It is intended only to be a reference and not definitive.

Consent to Adopt

The birth mother and birth father can sign consent anytime after the birth mother is discharged from the hospital. The signing of consent must be witnessed by an adoption service provider. Consent can be revoked anytime up to 30-45 days after signing. A court hearing is not required to revoke consent. The state does not have a birth father registry.

Birthmother Living Expenses

Birthmother living expenses are allowed to be paid with no specified maximum. Up to 4-6 weeks postpartum expenses may be allowable.

Adoption Finalization

Finalization may occur 6-11 months from the date consent to adopt is irrevocable. The state does allow non-residents to finalize in the state of California. State statutes do allow finalization to take place in another state.

California Home Study Providers

In California, a Home Study is the first step in the adoption process. Essentially, a home study is performed to ensure that you would be capable and appropriate parents to an adopted child. There are many entities that can perform a home study such as the California Department of Human Resources, a licensed child-placing agency, or an individual or agency licensed by the department to perform investigations. For simplicity purposes, Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions has built a national database of licensed Home Study Providers. They are individuals that have proven that they are professionals in their field, and base on our experience, they provide the most comprehensive home studies within the state of California.

This list is provided to you as a service in the interest of positive adoptions, and it is important to note all individuals and entities are independent of Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions. They do not represent Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions, and we do not receive a fee or portion of the home study provider’s fee by making this information available to you.