New Hampshire Relinquishment, Consent, Revocation laws

Who Must Consent:

• The mother.
  
• The legal and/or natural father provided that if he is under 18 years, the court may require the consent of his parents or guardian.
  
• The legal guardian.
  
• The department or agency having custody of the child.
  
• The court may require the consent of parent or guardian of unwed mother under 18.
  
  
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Consent of Adoptee:

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

When Parental Consent is Not Needed:

• An unwed father has failed to establish paternity.
  
• A parent's rights have been terminated.
  

When Relinquishment Can Be Signed:

No consent is valid until at least 72 hours after the child's birth.

How Relinquishment Must Be Signed:

• Relinquishments shall be executed through an agency.
  
• Consent must be in writing and executed in court or before an authorized person.
  
• In agency placements, consent can be executed before an authorized representative.
  
• At the time of relinquishment, the parent shall file with the court an affadavit stating that the parent has been informed of available counseling services.
  

Time for Revocation:

• Can not be withdrawn before entry of interlocutory decree unless obtained by fraud or duress or the court finds that it would be in the child's best interest.
  
• Consent is irrevocable after final decree.
  
  

Adapted from materials prepared by the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.