CA adoption laws?

Question

Im adopted and my mom was telling me that when she adopted me 23 years ago the law here in CA was that a birthmother has 9 months to change her mind and take her baby back...is this still the same today? if not what is the timeframe?

Answer 1

My understanding is that it depends on the pre-birth counseling she recieves. If she has had extensive counseling she can sign at the hospital. If no counseling, then I believe it takes 30 days.

Answer 2

lady is correct.  30 days unless through an agency

Answer 3

" In a direct placement, after consent has been given, the parents have 30 days to submit a signed revocation and request return of the child or sign a waiver of the right to revoke consent.

In agency adoption, consent is final and may only be rescinded by mutual consent, unless the birth parent has specified an adoptive parent and that placement is not finalized; then the parent has 30 days to rescind."

Answer 4

It depends upon how the adoption is facilitated.  If the arrangements are made by a licensed adoption agency, the answer is no: once a relinquishment is signed, it cannot be reversed.  However, if a lawyer or facilitator arranges the adoption, the paper signed by the birth mother or birth parents is not a relinquishment--it's a different document, usually called a consent, that does include a timeframe for changing her mind.  A few years ago it was 180 days--I THINK I heard that it had been shortened to 90 days.