New Hampshire § 170-B-16 - Section 170-B:16 Petition for Adoption.

§ 170-B-16. Section 170-B:16 Petition for Adoption.

I. A proceeding to adopt a minor child, other than a related minor child, shall be commenced by the filing of a petition within 30 days after such minor child has been placed in an adoptive home, provided that such petition may be filed at a later date by leave of court upon a showing that the failure to file such petition within such 30-day period was not due to the petitioners' culpable negligence or their willful disregard of the provisions of this section. II. A petition to adopt an adult or a related minor child may be filed at any time. III. The following information shall accompany every petition for adoption: (a) Written surrenders as required by RSA 170-B:5. (b) The name of any person whose surrender is required but who has not surrendered his or her parental rights. (c) Facts or circumstances which excuse the lack of such surrender normally required, including but not limited to an order of termination of parental rights, forfeiture, or waiver. IV. A petition for adoption shall be signed and verified by the petitioner, filed with the clerk and shall state: (a) As the caption, "In the Adoption of __________ ". The adoptee shall be designated in the caption under the person's birth name. (b) The date and place of birth of the adoptee, if known. (c) The name to be used for the adoptee. (d) The date and name of the court where the petitioner acquired custody of the minor and of placement of the minor and the name of the person or agency placing the minor. (e) The full name, age, place, and duration of residence of the petitioner. (f) The marital status of the petitioner, including the date and place of marriage, if married. (g) That the petitioner has facilities and resources, including those available under a subsidy agreement, suitable to provide for the nurture and care of the minor adoptee, and that it is the desire of the petitioner to establish the relationship of parent and child with the adoptee. V. A certified copy of the birth certificate or verification of birth record of the adoptee shall be sent to the court. VI. Any name by which the adoptee was previously known shall not be disclosed in the notice of hearing, or in the decree of adoption. VII. If a minor child is to be adopted from another state or country, the petition shall include documentation indicating compliance with RSA 170-A and RSA 170-B:28. VIII. If the surrender was executed in another state or country, or medical information was not provided as required under 170-B:9, III, the petitioner shall file with the court information on the age and medical and personal backgrounds of the birth parents and minor child. Such personal information may include but not be limited to ethnic and religious background, as is reasonably known.