Article 1 – General Provisions. [RTF] [PDF]

• � 48-1-100. Legislative findings and intent; construction of Chapter. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-100. Legislative findings and intent; construction of Chapter. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-101. Definitions. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-101. Definitions. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-102. Parent includes adoptive parent. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-102. Parent includes adoptive parent. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-103. Who may adopt. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-103. Who may adopt. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-104. Who may be adopted. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-104. Who may be adopted. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-105. Name of adoptee after adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-105. Name of adoptee after adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-106. Legal effect of decree of adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-106. Legal effect of decree of adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-107. Other rights of adoptee. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-107. Other rights of adoptee. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-108. Adoptees subject to Indian Child Welfare Act. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-108. Adoptees subject to Indian Child Welfare Act. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-109. Which agencies may prepare assessments and reports to the court. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-1-109. Which agencies may prepare assessments and reports to the court. [RTF] [PDF]

Article 2 – General Adoption Procedure. [RTF] [PDF]

• � 48-2-100. Jurisdiction. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-100. Jurisdiction. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-101. Venue. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-101. Venue. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-102. Transfer, stay, or dismissal. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-102. Transfer, stay, or dismissal. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-201. Appointment of attorney or guardian ad litem. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-201. Appointment of attorney or guardian ad litem. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-202. No right to jury. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-202. No right to jury. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-203. Confidentiality of proceedings under Chapter. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-203. Confidentiality of proceedings under Chapter. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-204. Death of a joint petitioner pending final decree. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-204. Death of a joint petitioner pending final decree. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-205. Recognition of adoption decrees from other jurisdictions. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-205. Recognition of adoption decrees from other jurisdictions. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-206. Prebirth determination of right to consent. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-206. Prebirth determination of right to consent. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-207. Necessity of consent post-petition. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-207. Necessity of consent post-petition. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-301. Petition for adoption; who may file. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-301. Petition for adoption; who may file. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-302. Time for filing petition. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-302. Time for filing petition. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-303. Caption of petition for adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-303. Caption of petition for adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-304. Petition for adoption; content. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-304. Petition for adoption; content. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-305. Petition for adoption; additional documents. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-305. Petition for adoption; additional documents. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-306. Omission of required information. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-306. Omission of required information. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-401. Notice by petitioner. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-401. Notice by petitioner. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-402. Manner of service. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-402. Manner of service. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-403. Notice of proceedings by clerk. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-403. Notice of proceedings by clerk. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-404. Notice of proceedings by court to alleged father. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-404. Notice of proceedings by court to alleged father. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-405. Rights of persons entitled to notice. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-405. Rights of persons entitled to notice. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-406. Waiver of notice; effect. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-406. Waiver of notice; effect. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-407. Filing proof of service. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-407. Filing proof of service. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-501. Report to the court during proceeding for adoption of a minor. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-501. Report to the court during proceeding for adoption of a minor. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-502. Preparation and content of report. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-502. Preparation and content of report. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-503. Timing and filing of report. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-503. Timing and filing of report. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-504. Fee for report. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-504. Fee for report. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-601. Hearing on, or disposition of, adoption petition; transfer of adoption proceeding; timing. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-601. Hearing on, or disposition of, adoption petition; transfer of adoption proceeding; timing. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-602. Disclosure of fees and charges. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-602. Disclosure of fees and charges. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-603. Hearing on, or disposition of, petition to adopt a minor. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-603. Hearing on, or disposition of, petition to adopt a minor. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-604. Denying petition to adopt a minor. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-604. Denying petition to adopt a minor. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-605. Hearing on petition to adopt an adult. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-605. Hearing on petition to adopt an adult. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-606. Decree of adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-606. Decree of adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-607. Appeals. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-2-607. Appeals. [RTF] [PDF]

Article 3 – Adoption of Minors. [RTF] [PDF]

• � 48-3-100. Application of Article. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-100. Application of Article. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-201. Who may place minors for adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-201. Who may place minors for adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-202. Direct placement for adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-202. Direct placement for adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-203. Agency placement adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-203. Agency placement adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-204. Recruitment of adoptive parents. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-204. Recruitment of adoptive parents. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-205. Disclosure of background information. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-205. Disclosure of background information. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-206. Affidavit of parentage. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-206. Affidavit of parentage. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-207. Interstate placements. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-207. Interstate placements. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-301. Preplacement assessment required. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-301. Preplacement assessment required. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-302. Request for preplacement assessment. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-302. Request for preplacement assessment. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-303. Content and timing of preplacement assessment. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-303. Content and timing of preplacement assessment. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-304. Fees for preplacement assessment. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-304. Fees for preplacement assessment. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-305. Agency disposition of preplacement assessments. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-305. Agency disposition of preplacement assessments. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-306. Favorable preplacement assessments. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-306. Favorable preplacement assessments. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-307. Assessments completed after placement. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-307. Assessments completed after placement. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-308. Response to unfavorable preplacement assessment. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-308. Response to unfavorable preplacement assessment. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-309. Mandatory preplacement criminal checks of prospective adoptive parents seeking to adopt a minor who is in the custody or placement responsibility of a county department of social services and mandatory preplacement criminal checks of all [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-309. Mandatory preplacement criminal checks of prospective adoptive parents seeking to adopt a minor who is in the custody or placement responsibility of a county department of social services and mandatory preplacement criminal checks of all [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-401. “Health care facility” and “attending practitioner” defined. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-401. “Health care facility” and “attending practitioner” defined. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-402. Authorization required to transfer physical custody. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-402. Authorization required to transfer physical custody. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-501. Petitioner entitled to custody in direct placement adoptions. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-501. Petitioner entitled to custody in direct placement adoptions. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-502. Agency entitled to custody in placement by agency. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-502. Agency entitled to custody in placement by agency. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-601. Persons whose consent to adoption is required. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-601. Persons whose consent to adoption is required. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-602. Consent of incompetent parents. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-602. Consent of incompetent parents. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-603. Persons whose consent is not required. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-603. Persons whose consent is not required. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-604. Execution of consent: timing. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-604. Execution of consent: timing. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-605. Execution of consent: procedures. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-605. Execution of consent: procedures. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-606. Content of consent; mandatory provisions. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-606. Content of consent; mandatory provisions. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-607. Consequences of consent. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-607. Consequences of consent. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-608. Revocation of consent. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-608. Revocation of consent. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-609. Challenges to validity of consent. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-609. Challenges to validity of consent. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-610. Collateral agreements. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-610. Collateral agreements. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-701. Individuals who may relinquish minor; timing. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-701. Individuals who may relinquish minor; timing. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-702. Procedures for relinquishment. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-702. Procedures for relinquishment. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-703. Content of relinquishment; mandatory provisions. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-703. Content of relinquishment; mandatory provisions. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-704. Content of relinquishment; optional provisions. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-704. Content of relinquishment; optional provisions. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-705. Consequences of relinquishment. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-705. Consequences of relinquishment. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-706. Revocation of relinquishments. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-706. Revocation of relinquishments. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-707. Challenges to validity of relinquishments. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-3-707. Challenges to validity of relinquishments. [RTF] [PDF]

Article 4 – Adoption of a Minor Stepchild by Stepparent. [RTF] [PDF]

• � 48-4-100. Application of Article. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-4-100. Application of Article. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-4-101. Who may file a petition to adopt a minor stepchild. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-4-101. Who may file a petition to adopt a minor stepchild. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-4-102. Consent to adoption of stepchild. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-4-102. Consent to adoption of stepchild. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-4-103. Execution and content of consent to adoption by stepparent. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-4-103. Execution and content of consent to adoption by stepparent. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-4-104: Repealed by Session Laws 1997-215, s. 12(b). [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-4-104: Repealed by Session Laws 1997-215, s. 12(b). [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-4-105. Visitation awards to grandparents pursuant to Chapter 50 of the General Statutes. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-4-105. Visitation awards to grandparents pursuant to Chapter 50 of the General Statutes. [RTF] [PDF]

Article 5 – Adoption of Adults. [RTF] [PDF]

• � 48-5-100. Application of Article. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-5-100. Application of Article. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-5-101. Who may file for a petition to adopt an adult. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-5-101. Who may file for a petition to adopt an adult. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-5-102. Consent to adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-5-102. Consent to adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-5-103. Adoption of incompetent adults. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-5-103. Adoption of incompetent adults. [RTF] [PDF]

Article 6 – Adoption by a Former Parent. [RTF] [PDF]

• � 48-6-100. Application of Article. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-6-100. Application of Article. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-6-101. Readoption under other Articles. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-6-101. Readoption under other Articles. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-6-102. Readoption after a stepparent adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-6-102. Readoption after a stepparent adoption. [RTF] [PDF]

Article 9 – Confidentiality of Records and Disclosure of Information. [RTF] [PDF]

• � 48-9-101. Records defined. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-9-101. Records defined. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-9-102. Records confidential and sealed. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-9-102. Records confidential and sealed. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-9-103. Release of nonidentifying information. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-9-103. Release of nonidentifying information. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-9-104. Release of identifying information; confidential intermediary services. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-9-104. Release of identifying information; confidential intermediary services. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-9-105. Action for release of identifying and other nonidentifying information. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-9-105. Action for release of identifying and other nonidentifying information. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-9-106. Release of original certificate of birth. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-9-106. Release of original certificate of birth. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-9-107. New birth certificates. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-9-107. New birth certificates. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-9-108. Restoration of original birth certificates if a decree of adoption is set aside. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-9-108. Restoration of original birth certificates if a decree of adoption is set aside. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-9-109. Certain disclosures authorized. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-9-109. Certain disclosures authorized. [RTF] [PDF]

Article 10 – Prohibited Practices in Connection With Adoption. [RTF] [PDF]

• � 48-10-101. Prohibited activities in placement. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-10-101. Prohibited activities in placement. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-10-102. Unlawful payments related to adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-10-102. Unlawful payments related to adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-10-103. Lawful payments related to adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-10-103. Lawful payments related to adoption. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-10-104. Failure to disclose nonidentifying information. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-10-104. Failure to disclose nonidentifying information. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-10-105. Unauthorized disclosure of information. [RTF] [PDF]
• � 48-10-105. Unauthorized disclosure of information. [RTF] [PDF]