Arkansas § 9-9-214 - Appearance — Continuance — Disposition of petition.
Full text of Arkansas Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 9-9-214 — Appearance — Continuance — Disposition of petition., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 9-9-214. Appearance — Continuance — Disposition of petition.
The petitioner and the individual to be adopted shall appear at the hearing on the petition, unless the presence of either is excused by the court for good cause shown. The court may continue the hearing from time to time to permit further observation, investigation, or consideration of any facts or circumstances affecting the granting of the petition. If at the conclusion of the hearing the court determines that the required consents have been obtained or excused and the required period for the withdrawal of consent and withdrawal of relinquishment have passed and that the adoption is in the best interest of the individual to be adopted, it may (1) issue a final decree of adoption; or (2) issue an interlocutory decree of adoption which by its own terms automatically becomes a final decree of adoption on a day therein specified, which day shall not be less than six (6) months nor more than one (1) year from the date of issuance of the decree, unless sooner vacated by the court for good cause shown. If the requirements for a decree under subsection (c) of this section have not been met, the court shall dismiss the petition and the child shall be returned to the person or entity having custody of the child prior to the filing of the petition.
Source: official Arkansas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas § 9-9-214
What does Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 9-9-214 cover?
Section 9-9-214 ("Appearance — Continuance — Disposition of petition.") is part of the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Arkansas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Arkansas § 9-9-214?
A common citation format is "Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 9-9-214" (Arkansas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Arkansas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arkansas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arkansas attorney.
How does Arkansas § 9-9-214 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arkansas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas.