Minnesota Relinquishment, Consent, Revocation laws

Who Must Consent:

• The child's parents or guardian.
  
• If there is no qualified parent or guardian, consent may be given by a commissioner.
  
• If the unmarried parent is under age 18, the consent of the minor's parent or guardian is required.
  
  
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Consent of Adoptee:

A child 14 years or older must consent to the adoption.

When Parental Consent is Not Needed:

If parent has:

• Abandoned the child.
  
• Had parental rights terminated.
  
• Lost custody through a court proceeding.
  
  

When Relinquishment Can Be Signed:

Consent may be executed no sooner than 72 hours after child's birth and no later than 60 days after child's placement in prospective adoptive home.

How Relinquishment Must Be Signed:

Written consent:

• Must executed before 2 witnesses.
  
• Contain withdrawal provisions.
  
• Contain notice that if child is not adopted the parent may be required to support the child.
  
  

Time for Revocation:

• Consent may be withdrawn for any reason within 10 working days.
  
• After 10 days, it becomes irrevocable unless there is fraud.
  
  

Adapted from materials prepared by the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.