Arkansas Relinquishment, Consent, Revocation laws

Who Must Consent:

• The mother.
  
• The father if married to the mother or otherwise has established paternity.
  
• Any person or agency lawfully entitled to custody.
  
• The court.
  
  

Consent of Adoptee:

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A child 10 years or older must consent to the adoption, unless the court in the child's best interest dispenses with consent.

When Parental Consent is Not Needed:

Parent has:

• Deserted a child.
  
• Failed to communicate or provide care or support for the child.
  
• Relinquished rights or had them terminated.
  
• Been declared incompetent.
  
  

When Relinquishment Can Be Signed:

Can be executed any time after the birth of the child.

How Relinquishment Must Be Signed:

• Must be executed in the presence of a judge or authorized person.
  
• If a child is old enough to grant consent, he must do so in the presence of a judge.
  
• If parent is a minor, the guardian ad litem must sign the consent.
  

Time for Revocation:

• Consent to adoption cannot be withdrawn after the entry of a decree of adoption.
  
• A consent to adopt may be withdrawn within 10 days after it is signed or the child is born whichever is later.

Adapted from materials prepared by the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.