What are the adoption laws in Connecticut?

Connecticut adoptions, including stepparent adoptions, are handled by the Probate Court and governed by Connecticut General Statutes Title 45a. Here is how the main rules work for a stepparent family.

Which court. Your case is heard in the Probate Court. For an adult adoption, approval comes from the Probate Court for the district where the adopter lives. If the adopter does not live in Connecticut, it is the district where the adoptee lives.

Residency. Connecticut has no minimum residency period under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-727. You do not have to live in the state for a set number of months before filing.

Child's consent. A child who is 12 or older has a consent role under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-724. For a younger child, the court clerk can explain how the court handles the child's wishes.

Abandonment. Connecticut sets no fixed number of months for abandonment. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-717, it depends on the parent's overall conduct. If you think this applies to the other parent, or if the other parent's whereabouts are unknown or they may object, that depends on your facts. Ask the Probate Court clerk or an attorney about your specific situation.

Home study. The home study is waived in a stepparent adoption under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-733(a).

Timeline. A stepparent adoption in Connecticut typically takes about 3-6 months. An adult adoption is typically faster, about 4-8 weeks.

Adopting an adult. Connecticut also allows adult adoption, under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-734:

• The adopter must be 18 or older, and the adoptee must be at least 18 and younger than the adopter. The two sign a written agreement.
• The adoptee cannot be the adopter's spouse, brother, sister, uncle or aunt (whole or half blood).
• The Probate Court approves the agreement if it finds the two share a relationship similar to that of a parent and an adult child, and that the adoption is in their best interests.
• A married adopter's spouse must join in the agreement, unless the court finds sufficient reason why the spouse should not. If the adoptee is married, the adoptee's spouse must give written consent under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-735.
• A hearing is required. The court gives each party notice of the time and place, and also notifies the adopter's spouse if the spouse is not a party.
• The statute does not mention a home study.
• One parent of an adult child may join in an agreement between the parent's spouse and the adult child. This is the adult stepparent route. The non-joining parent's legal relation