North Carolina § 48-3-701 - Individuals who may relinquish minor; timing.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 48-3-701 — Individuals who may relinquish minor; timing., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 48-3-701. Individuals who may relinquish minor; timing.
A parent or guardian may relinquish all parental rights or guardianship powers, including the right to consent to adoption, to an agency. If both parents are married to each other and living together, both parents must act jointly in relinquishing a child to an agency. The mother of a minor child may execute a relinquishment at any time after the child is born but not sooner. A man whose consent is required under G.S. 48-3-601 may execute a relinquishment either before or after the child is born. A guardian may execute a relinquishment at any time. History (1949, c. 300; 1953, c. 906; 1961, c. 186; 1969, c. 911, s. 7; c. 982; 1975, c. 702, ss. 1-3; 1977, c. 879, s. 5; 1985, c. 758, ss. 10, 11; 1995, c. 457, s. 2.) Cross References. - As to relinquishment to a department of social services, see G.S. 7B-909.1. Legal Periodicals. - For note, "Winning the Battle or Losing the War? The Implications of Boseman v. Jarrell on the Same-Sex Adoption Debate in North Carolina," see 34 N.C. Cent. L. Rev. 98 (2011).
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 48-3-701
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 48-3-701 cover?
Section 48-3-701 ("Individuals who may relinquish minor; timing.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. 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 North Carolina § 48-3-701?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 48-3-701" (North Carolina). 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 North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 48-3-701 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina 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 North Carolina.