| name | adoption-petition |
| title | Petition for Adoption |
| description | Drafts a Petition for Adoption for U.S. family law courts (stepparent, relative, agency, independent). Use when drafting adoption petitions, initiating adoption proceedings, or preparing pre-filing adoption pleadings. |
| author | CaseMark |
| author_url | https://github.com/CaseMark/skills/tree/main/skills/legal/adoption-petition |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| version | 0.1.0 |
| execution_mode | open |
| jurisdiction | us |
| practice | family |
| language | en |
| tags | ["drafting","litigation","pleading"] |
Petition for Adoption
Produces a court-ready Petition for Adoption satisfying statutory requirements and presenting a best-interests case for finalization.
Quick Start
- Classify adoption type (stepparent / relative / agency / independent) — this drives consent rules, waiting periods, and eligibility
- Collect party information: full legal names, DOBs, addresses for petitioner(s), child, biological parents
- Identify governing statute: state adoption code sections, local court rules, mandatory judicial council forms
- Determine consent / TPR status: executed consents with dates, termination orders, or facts supporting statutory exceptions
- Gather supporting documents: home study, background checks, birth certificate, marriage/divorce decrees, financial affidavits
Document Structure
| Section | Content |
|---|
| Caption | Court name (county + judicial district), case number placeholder, "In the Matter of the Adoption of [Child's Full Legal Name]" |
| Introduction | Petitioner(s) by name; nature of petition; adoption type |
| Party Identification | Numbered paragraphs per party |
| Jurisdictional Allegations | Residency facts, statutory authority, personal jurisdiction |
| Relationship & Caregiving History | Placement date, circumstances, bond narrative |
| Eligibility & Fitness | Statutory criteria, background checks, home study, financial adequacy |
| Consent / TPR Status | Consent details, termination orders, or exception facts |
| Best Interests Analysis | Evidence-based argument per framework below |
| Prayer for Relief | Specific requests |
| Verification & Execution | Oath, signature blocks, notary acknowledgment |
| Exhibit List | Labeled attachments referenced in body |
Core Workflow
1. Party Identification
Each Petitioner: Full legal name, DOB, address, marital status, relationship to child, duration of residency in jurisdiction.
Child: Current legal name, DOB, residence, duration in petitioners' care, proposed new name (if any — state both current and proposed).
Biological Parents / Legal Guardians: Full legal names, last known addresses, status of parental rights (intact / voluntarily relinquished / involuntarily terminated).
