Mississippi Adoption Laws and Policies

Each state maintains its own adoption policies, so the process can vary considerably for families in different states. As a Mississippi resident, you’ll want to work with an adoption agency or adoption attorney who is very familiar with Mississippi adoption laws and policies. Below, learn all about the legal guidelines for families adopting in Mississippi whether you’re adopting a newborn through domestic adoption, an infant or older child from U.S. foster care adoption, or a child through international adoption.

You’ll also find a link to adoption agencies and adoption lawyers offering services to Mississippi families.

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MISSISSIPPI ADOPTION LAWS & STATUTES

Who Can Adopt in Mississippi?

A single adult or a married couple jointly may adopt. The adopting parent(s) must reside in Mississippi for 6 consecutive months before petitioning to adopt.

Can LGBT families adopt? Same-sex couples may face legal restrictions when petitioning for joint adoption.

Domestic Adoption Laws in Mississippi

Can adoptive parents advertise for birth parents? Yes.

Can out-of-state residents finalize an adoption? Yes.

Can adopting parents use an adoption facilitator or another paid intermediary? An agency or attorney licensed by the state may serve as an adoption facilitator, but no payment outside of fees for reasonable services may be made.

What birth parent expenses may be paid, and in what time period? Anything reasonably connected with the mother’s pregnancy, the birth of the child, or the adoption process.

Is there a putative father registry? No.

When can consent to adoption be granted? 72 hours after birth.

When does consent become irrevocable? If consent is revoked, is return to birth parent automatic? Upon signing.

Are post-adoption contact agreements legally enforceable? Not addressed in state statutes.

International Adoption Laws in Mississippi

Is a foreign adoption decree automatically recognized by the state? Not addressed in state statutes.

Can parents readopt in this state? Is it mandatory? Not addressed in state statutes.

When will a U.S. birth certificate be issued? The Bureau of Vital Statistics will issue a birth certificate to any child readopted in a Mississippi court upon receipt of a copy of the adoption decree.

Adoption From Foster Care in Mississippi

Are adoption subsidies available? When do they start and how long do they last? Yes, subsidies are available for a special needs child, who is defined as having at least one of the following: 6 years or older, member of a sibling group of 2 or more children being placed together, has a physical, mental, developmental, emotional, or mental condition, has a history of abuse. Subsidies begin at adoption placement.

Where can I learn more about the process of adopting a child from foster care in Mississippi? http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/family-childrens-services/programs/adopt-a-child