The Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) hearing is when a judge affirms that the consent for adoption by the birth mother was properly executed. They will also confirm that a consent for adoption, affidavit of non-paternity, notice of service, or diligent search certificate was filed and properly executed for the birth father. A court date for the TPR hearing happens after the consent for adoption has been signed and filed with the courts. Once the judge affirms that the paperwork was executed properly they will sign off on the Termination of Parental rights. When the consents are signed, the baby is placed in the legal custody of the agency and the physical custody of the adoptive parents. The baby goes directly home with the adoptive parents from the hospital. A finalization hearing happens after TPR has happened, and after the baby has been placed with the adoptive parents for a minimum of 90 days. Each month an adoption professional visits the family to perform a post-placement supervision visit. These visits ensures that everyone is adjusting to having a baby in the house and that the baby is happy, healthy, and everyone is thriving. Monthly reports are filed with the courts and reviewed by a judge prior to the adoption being finalized. After the finalization hearing, a new birth certificate is ordered with the baby and adoptive parents names. Often the adoptive parents change the first name as well as the last name of the baby. Know your rights! Check out the Florida Adoption Statues.