http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Adoption/Federal/index.html LawInfo - Legal Resource Center offers free legal forms and free legal documents that is designed to help consumers and businesses resolve their legal issues http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Adoption/Federal/how-does-custody-take-place.html The adoptive family does not assume physical custody of the child until a court of law issues an order transferring probationary custody to the adoptive parent(s).  The Court issues a custody order only after it finds that the statutorily required assessment, or home study, and reports on the child are satisfactory, and that there is compliance with all applicable laws.  Some courts require both birth parents to appear at this hearing to testify that their consent to adoption was freely, knowingly, and voluntarily given.  In California, a child must be in probationary custody of the adoptive parent(s) for at least six months before the adoption can become finalized. Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Adoption/Federal/what-is-adoption.html Adoption is the legal process by which a person becomes a lawful member of a family different from their birth family.  Once a final order of adoption has been ruled by a court of law, the adoptive parents gain the same rights and responsibilities as parents whose children are born to them; subsequently, an adopted child gains the same rights as birth children in regard to inheritance, child support, and other legal matters.  In most U.S. jurisdictions, at the time the adoption is finalized, the adopted child's name is legally changed, and the court orders the issuance of a new, amended birth certificate. Adoption FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Adoption-Law/Federal/index.html Free Adoption Law FAQs Adoption Sub-categories Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:29:11 GMT