Full question:
My husband and I live in California. We adopted a child 2 years ago and we love him as our own child. But he has not able to get along with us or accept us as his parents. He does not seem to be happy living with us and he keeps saying he wants to end the relationship. Is it possible for him to terminate the relationship with us? If so, how?
- Category: Adoption
- Date:
- State: California
Answer:
Yes, it is possible for an adopted child to terminate their relationship with adoptive parents in California. Adoption creates a legal parent-child relationship, which can be altered through the court system.
According to California Family Code § 9340:
- (a) An adopted person can file a petition to terminate the parent-child relationship by providing written notice to their adoptive parents. The petition must include their name and address, the adoptive parent's name and address, the adoption date and place, and the reasons for the petition.
- (b) If the adoptive parent agrees in writing to the termination, the court can issue an order without further notice.
- (c) If the adoptive parent does not agree, they must respond in writing within thirty days, and a hearing will be scheduled. The court may also require an investigation by a probation officer or the department.
To end the relationship, the adopted child can file a petition after notifying the adoptive parents. If the adoptive parents consent in writing, the court may terminate the relationship.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.