Each state maintains its own adoption policies, so the process can vary considerably for families in different states. As a Nebraska resident, you’ll want to work with an adoption agency or adoption attorney who is very familiar with Nebraska adoption laws and policies. Below, learn all about the legal guidelines for families adopting in Nebraska 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 Nebraska families.

See all Nebraska adoption agencies >

See all Nebraska adoption attorneys >

NEBRASKA ADOPTION LAWS & STATUTES

Who Can Adopt in Nebraska?

Any adult or a married couple jointly (unless the adopting parent is a stepparent) may adopt.

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

Nebraska Domestic Adoption Laws

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? Yes, adopting parents may use an adoption facilitator as long as the facilitator is licensed by the Dept. of Health and Human Services.

What birth parent expenses may be paid, and in what time period? Medical not covered by insurance or public assistance, legal, birth-related living expenses and losses, doctor-verified lost wages.

Is there a putative father registry? Yes.

When can consent to adoption be granted? 48 hours after birth.

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

Are post-adoption contact agreements legally enforceable? Not unless the court approves.

Nebraska International Adoption Laws

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 State of Nebraska will issue a birth certificate upon receipt of a copy of the adoption decree.

Adoption from Foster Care in Nebraska

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 eighteen or younger and is defined as having at least one of the following: 7 or older, member of a sibling group of 3 or more children being placed together, has a behavioral, emotional, physical, or mental condition as documented by a professional. In addition, the child must be in the custody of the Dept. of Health and Human Services

Where can I learn more about the process of adopting a child from foster care in Nebraska? http://dhhs.ne.gov/children_family_services/Pages/adoption.aspx

Nebraska Adoption Unit

Program Manager: Christine Jones

DISCLAIMER: The state laws and policies outlined above are offered to readers only for general information and do not constitute legal advice. Furthermore, the state laws were accurate at the time of compilation, but Adoptive Families cannot guarantee that there have been no subsequent changes or revisions to the laws. Please do not rely on the information above without first consulting an adoption attorney licensed in your state. Updated in November 2014.