Relative Adoption Law and Legal Definition
Relative Adoption is the legal adoption of a child by a biological relative. For example the adoption of a child by his/her relatives such as a grandparent, uncle, or cousin. Relative adoptions are not the same as stepparent adoptions.
In most states, relative adoptions are treated less formally than non-relative or stranger adoptions. Relative adoptions often require only an abbreviated homestudy. Some relative adoptions do not require a homestudy. However, for this preferential treatment to apply, the adoption must fit the definition of a relative adoption under the concerned state law. Most state laws define "relative" by degree of relatedness. It is to be noted that adoption laws vary from state to state.
Legal Definition list
Related Legal Terms
- Abandonment [Intercountry Adoption]
- Accompanying Relative [Immigration]
- Accredited Agency [Adoption]
- Accredited Body [Adoption]
- Accrediting Entity [Adoption]
- Adoption
- Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS)
- Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA)
- Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980
- Adoption Disruption
