Free Instructions - New Hampshire

Instructions for completing Petition for Adoption
(NHJB-2185-FP)

Form use. This petition is the primary form filed in the adoption of either a minor child or an adult, although other documents as well as an original birth certificate for the child are also required.

Top part of form ·COURT NAME: Enter the name of the county probate court where the document will be filed. (example: Belknap County Probate Court; Rockingham County Probate Court). ·CASE NAME: Enter the birth name of the child who will be adopted (example: Adoption of John Adams; Adoption of Susan Jones). ·CASE NUMBER: Leave blank if not yet assigned by court OR fill in case number if it is known. Numbered part of form 1. Petitioner Name is the name of the person filing the petition. Enter that person's name and date of birth. If there are co-petitioners, enter the second person's name and date of birth on the lines provided. Enter the complete mailing address with zip code, and telephone number. Enter the complete residence address including city or town, and the length of time the petitioner (s) have resided there. Complete this section ONLY if the petitioner has an attorney helping with this case. Enter his or her name, telephone number, complete mailing address including zip code, and NH Bar Identification number. Check off one box to indicate the marital status of petitioner(s) ­ married, civil union, single or other. If married or civil union is selected, enter the date and place of the ceremony on the line provided. The Petitioner(s) relationship to child is the current relationship with the proposed adoptee, such as foster parent, step-parent, aunt/uncle, etc. The Date child was placed in the home of the petitioner(s) is the date the child was placed in this home by an outside person or agency. On the second line, enter the name of the Person or agency that placed the child in the home. If the Petitioner(s) were granted custody of the child in a previous court hearing, enter the date of the order and the name of the court granting custody on the lines provided. Check off ­ yes or no ­ to indicate whether or not this child is an American Indian child as defined by the Indian Child Welfare Act. If yes, enter the name and address of the tribe on the line provided. Check off ­ yes or no ­ to indicate whether or not this tribe is recognized by the federal government as eligible for federal services or certain Alaskan native corporations. The Child Birth Name is the name given to the child at birth. Enter the name of the child on the line provided. Also, enter the child's date of birth, place of birth and the address where the child lives. Enter the Birth Mother Name, mailing address with zip code and telephone number on the lines provided.
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NHJB-2185-FP Instructions (06/13/2008)

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Enter the Birth Father Name, mailing address with zip code and telephone number on the lines provided. This question is asking whether there are other court cases involving the child or proposed adoptive parents of the child. Read this question carefully and check either the yes or no box. If yes, attach a separate sheet identifying and explaining each case.

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Signature section In the paragraph prior to the signatures, the petitioners request the adoption be ordered by the court and the name of the child be changed. Enter the new name for the child, if applicable, on the line provided. This form must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public or Justice of the Peace. They will complete the section immediately following your signature. You will sign the form on the Petitioner's Signature line, and date it in the appropriate space to the left. If there are two petitioners, both petitioners must sign and date the form.

Assents The following assents are to be completed ONLY if applicable to this petition. CHILD'S ASSENT If the child mentioned in this petition is age 14 or older, he/she must give assent in the presence of the Judge to this adoption and change of name, if applicable. The child will sign the form on the Child's Signature line and date it in the appropriate space to the left. The Presiding Judge will sign on the line provided. ASSENT OF PETITIONER'S SPOUSE TO ADOPTION OF ADULT If the spouse of the petitioner is not the co-petitioner, he/she must assent to the petitioner's adoption of the adult child named by signing his/her name on the Spouse Signature line and date it in the appropriate space to the left. ASSENT OF ADOPTEE'S SPOUSE The spouse of the adoptee, must assent to this adoption by signing his/her name on the Spouse Signature line and date it in the appropriate space to the left. Decree This section will be completed by the judge once the document is filed with the court and reviewed in detail by the judge.

Review the completed form for accuracy prior to filing it with the court. If completing this form on-line, some fields may be filled in automatically based on entries in other fields. If more space is needed for any question, please attach additional sheets of paper.

NHJB-2185-FP Instructions (06/13/2008)

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