Adoption Decree question...what does it look like?

[Blue99]

Hi, we finalized yesterday and everything went great. I have saw a lot of folks on the board talk about the Adoption Decree (finalization). Ours doesnt actually say "Adoption Decree" on it; it is titled "Judgement" and then goes on to say "based on the hearing held on (date) and the record herein, it is hereby ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED....". Is that basically what your "adoption decree" looks like? I know it may vary by state, I was just curious. Thanks!
Blue99

[Kerin in DE]

Without digging out my paperwork, I think the "decree" is actually more like a certificate, with a seal, etc. and the judgment is the actual legal document. Could be a little off on that, though -- it's been more than 3 years.

[Joanne]

sounds like it. Ours is the Adopt 215 form for California. It has the notary stamp too.

[stacyandted]

I think there is more than one 'right' way to do it. My DH does them, and he actually puts "Adoption Decree" on the top.

I just asked him your question, though, and he says that if you've had a hearing and the judge signs it, you're fine. If the form was missing something, the clerk of the court or the judge would have had it changed prior to the finalization.

DH prefers to put "Adoption Decree" on the top just simply so families know what it is, as that's the language that's familiar to us.

Did you get several copies of the decree with the court seal? DH recommends getting several as adoption court records are VERY difficult and time consuming to un-seal if it would ever become necessary.

[sarahfsk]

We have two... a pretty, "official" looking one and one that just looks like a stapled report.

[Emma'smom]

Ours is just a bunch of papers stapled together. Nothing special to look at.

Julie

[Kerin in DE]

Now that I think more about it, I'm sure the thing with all the legalese is actually the decree. We received a separate piece of paper, I think it's called a Certificate of Adoption, on pretty paper with a gold seal -- but I think that one is more "ceremonial" than anything.