Who Can Ask the Family Court for a TPR (i.e. who can Petition for TPR)?
A Petition for TPR may be filed in the State of Delaware by any of the following: • The mother of a child; • The father or presumed father of a child; • Both parents of a child; • A blood relative of a child; • The Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (the “Department”); • Any agency granted a license by the Department to place children for adoption (a “licensed agency”). Who Can Seek to Adopt (i.e. who can Petition for Adoption)? A Petition for Adoption may be filed in the State of Delaware IF you are: • An unmarried person; OR • A husband and wife jointly seeking to adopt and who are NOT legally separated, living apart from each other, and/or divorced; AND over 21 years old; AND a Delaware resident. What is the Termination of Parental Rights Process? • The Petitioner files a Petition to Terminate Parental rights • The Respondent has 20 days in which to file an Answer to that Petition. • A social study and report must be completed. • A Judge will hold a hearin
