March 29, 2024

Archives for June 1, 2012

Biological Parent Revocation Period

It seems that most people interested in adoption know something about a time period wherein the biological parent(s) may “change their mind.”  This is called the revocation period, the window of time in which a biological parent consenting to the adoption and voluntarily terminating their own parental rights may revoke that consent.

Under Arkansas law, it has long been a period of 10 days.  However, there is now an option under the law.  The biological parents can waive the 10 day revocation period and select a shorter 5 day period only.

So, for purposes of an adoption under Arkansas law, the time period will begin either (1) at the time the consent was signed, (2) or at the time of the birth of the child – whichever is later.  If your biological parent signs when the mother is only 6 or 7 months pregnant, the revocation period will begin at birth.  If the baby is already a few weeks, months, or years old, then the revocation period begins at the time of the signing.

This has been a tremendous help for out of state couples adopting in Arkansas.  A final hearing cannot be had on the matter until the revocation period has expired.  This often has forced our adopting couples to remain in the State of Arkansas for at least 11 days, but usually longer.  Now it is possible that a 6 day stay is all that is required.

Please call or write if you have any questions about your adoption or adoptions in general.

Thank you.