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The Judicial Branch of Arizona, Maricopa County

The Judicial Branch of Arizona, Maricopa County



Superior Court >Juvenile Court Adoptions The Court is responsible for certifying that a prospective adoptive parent is suitable to adopt. The Court will consider:
  • A complete social history.
  • The financial condition of the applicant.
  • The moral fitness of the applicant.
  • The religious background of the applicant.
  • The physical and mental health condition of the applicant.
  • Any court action for, or adjudication of, child abuse, abandonment of children, dependency or termination of parent-child relationship in which the applicant had control or custody of the child who was the subject of the action.
  • The submission of a fingerprint card and the results of a check of official fingerprint records based on such submission.
  • Whether the person or persons wish to be placed on the central adoption registry.
  • All other facts bearing on the issue of the fitness of the prospective adoptive parents that the court, agency or division may deem relevant. ARS § 8-105.

An adoption petition shall contain:
  • The full names, ages and place of residence of the petitioner and if married, the date and place of marriage and the relationship, if any, to the child.
  • The fact that a certificate of acceptability to adopt the child has been issued in favor of the petitioner and the date of its issuance, unless not required under ARS § 8-105.
  • The date when the petitioner acquired custody of the child and from what person or agency, or, if not in custody, the present custodial circumstances.
  • The date and place of birth of the child.
  • The name of the child or the fictitious name to be used in the proceedings and, if a change of name is desired, the name.
  • That it is the desire of the petitioner to adopt the child.
  • A full description and statement of the value of all property owned or possessed by the child.
  • Any reason that consent need not be given.
  • Full disclosure of any fees or anything of value given or paid to any person or organization in connection with the adoption. ARS § 8-114.

Arizona does not prevent interracial adoptions. A Native American child is, however, subject to the federal Indian Child Welfare Act.

Adoptions of adults are governed by ARS § 8-132.