Connecticut Relinquishment, Consent, Revocation laws

Who Must Consent:

• Any statutory parent.
  
• A surviving parent when one parent has died.
  
• An unwed mother provided that the putative father has received notice or had rights terminated.
  
• The child's guardian.
  

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Consent of Adoptee:

A child 12 years or older must consent to the adoption.

When Parental Consent is Not Needed:

Parent has:

• Had rights terminated.
  
• Abandoned the child.
  
• Caused the child non-accidental injury.
  
• Failed to maintain a relationship with the child for at least one year.
  
• Killed another child of the parent or was convicted of sexual assault resulting in the conception of a child.
  
  

When Relinquishment Can Be Signed:

Mother cannot consent until at least 48 hours after birth.

How Relinquishment Must Be Signed:

• A petition for voluntary relinquishment must be approved by the court.
  
• Relinquishment by a minor parent must be approved by a guardian ad litem.
  

Time for Revocation:

• A petition to set aside termination may be filed prior to final decree.
  
• The court will consider the child's best interests.

Adapted from materials prepared by the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.