reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.060 - Hearings—Procedure—Witnesses.

RCW 26.33.060
Hearings—Procedure—Witnesses.
All hearings under this chapter shall be heard by the court without a jury. Unless the parties and the court agree otherwise, proceedings of contested hearings shall be recorded. The general public shall be excluded and only those persons shall be admitted whose presence is requested by any person entitled to notice under this chapter or whom the judge finds to have a direct interest in the case or in the work of the court. Persons so admitted shall not disclose any information obtained at the hearing which would identify the individual adoptee or parent involved. The court may require the presence of witnesses deemed necessary to the disposition of the petition, including persons making any report, study, or examination which is before the court if those persons are reasonably available. A person who has executed a valid waiver need not appear at the hearing. If the court finds that it is in the child's best interest, the child may be excluded from the hearing.
[ 1984 c 155 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.070 - Appointment of guardian ad litem—When required—Payment of fees.

RCW 26.33.070
Appointment of guardian ad litem—When required—Payment of fees.
(1) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for any parent or *alleged father under eighteen years of age in any proceeding under this chapter. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem for a child adoptee or any incompetent party in any proceeding under this chapter. The guardian ad litem for a parent or *alleged father, in addition to determining what is in the best interest of the party, shall make an investigation and report to the court concerning whether any written consent to adoption or petition for relinquishment signed by the parent or *alleged father was signed voluntarily and with an understanding of the consequences of the action. If the child to be relinquished is a dependent child under chapter 13.34 RCW and the minor parent is represented by an attorney or guardian ad litem in the dependency proceeding, the court may rely on the minor parent's dependency court attorney or guardian ad litem to make a report to the court as provided in this subsection.
(2) The court in the county in which a petition is filed shall direct who shall pay the fees of a guardian ad litem or attorney appointed under this chapter and shall approve the payment of the fees. If the court orders the parties to pay the fees of the guardian ad litem, the fees must be established pursuant to the procedures in RCW 26.12.183.
[ 2011 c 292 § 3; 1984 c 155 § 7.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 26.33.020 was amended by 2019 c 46 § 5034, changing the definition of "alleged father" to "alleged genetic parent."
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.080 - Petition for relinquishment—Filing—Written consent required.

RCW 26.33.080
Petition for relinquishment—Filing—Written consent required.
(1) A parent, an *alleged father, the department, or an agency may file with the court a petition to relinquish a child to the department or an agency. The parent's or *alleged father's written consent to adoption shall accompany the petition. The written consent of the department or the agency to assume custody shall be filed with the petition.
(2) A parent, *alleged father, or prospective adoptive parent may file with the court a petition to relinquish a child to the prospective adoptive parent. The parent's or *alleged father's written consent to adoption shall accompany the petition. The written consent of the prospective adoptive parent to assume custody shall be filed with the petition. The identity of the prospective adoptive parent need not be disclosed to the petitioner.
(3) A petition for relinquishment, together with the written consent to adoption, may be filed before the child's birth. If the child is an Indian child as defined in 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1903(4), the petition and consent shall not be signed until at least ten days after the child's birth and shall be recorded before a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1913(a).
[ 1987 c 170 § 3; 1985 c 421 § 1; 1984 c 155 § 8.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 26.33.020 was amended by 2019 c 46 § 5034, changing the definition of "alleged father" to "alleged genetic parent."
Severability—1987 c 170: See note following RCW 13.04.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.090 - Petition for relinquishment—Hearing—Temporary custody order—Notice—Order of relinquishment.

RCW 26.33.090
Petition for relinquishment—Hearing—Temporary custody order—Notice—Order of relinquishment.
(1) The court shall set a time and place for a hearing on the petition for relinquishment. The hearing may not be held sooner than forty-eight hours after the child's birth or the signing of all necessary consents to adoption, whichever is later. However, if the child is an Indian child, the hearing shall not be held sooner than ten days after the child's birth, and no consent shall be valid unless signed at least ten days after the child's birth and recorded before a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1913(a). Except where the child is an Indian child, the court may enter a temporary order giving custody of the child to the prospective adoptive parent, if a preplacement report has been filed, or to the department or agency to whom the child will be relinquished pending the court's hearing on the petition. If the child is an Indian child, the court may enter a temporary custody order under this subsection only if the requirements of 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1913(a) regarding voluntary foster care placement have been satisfied.
(2) Notice of the hearing shall be served on any relinquishing parent or *alleged father, and the department or agency in the manner prescribed by RCW 26.33.310. If the child is an Indian child, notice of the hearing shall also be served on the child's tribe in the manner prescribed by RCW 26.33.310.
(3) The court may require the parent to appear personally and enter his or her consent to adoption on the record. However, if the child is an Indian child, the court shall require the consenting parent to appear personally before a court of competent jurisdiction to enter on the record his or her consent to the relinquishment or adoption. The court shall determine that any written consent has been validly executed, and if the child is an Indian child, such court shall further certify that the requirements of 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1913(a) have been satisfied. If the court determines it is in the best interests of the child, the court shall approve the petition for relinquishment.
(4) If the court approves the petition, it shall award custody of the child to the department, agency, or prospective adoptive parent, who shall be appointed legal guardian. The legal guardian shall be financially responsible for support of the child until further order of the court. The court shall also enter an order pursuant to RCW 26.33.130 terminating the parent-child relationship of the parent and the child.
(5) An order of relinquishment to an agency or the department shall include an order authorizing the agency to place the child with a prospective adoptive parent.
[ 1987 c 170 § 4; 1985 c 421 § 2; 1984 c 155 § 9.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 26.33.020 was amended by 2019 c 46 § 5034, changing the definition of "alleged father" to "alleged genetic parent."
Severability—1987 c 170: See note following RCW 13.04.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.100 - Petition for termination—Who may file—Contents—Time.

RCW 26.33.100
Petition for termination—Who may file—Contents—Time.
(1) A petition for termination of the parent-child relationship of a parent or *alleged father who has not executed a written consent to adoption may be filed by:
(a) The department or an agency;
(b) The prospective adoptive parent to whom a child has been or may be relinquished if the prospective adoptive parent has filed or consented to a petition for relinquishment; or
(c) The prospective adoptive parent if he or she seeks to adopt the child of his or her spouse.
(2) The petition for termination of the parent-child relationship shall contain a statement of facts identifying the petitioner, the parents, the legal guardian, a guardian ad litem for a party, any *alleged father, and the child. The petition shall state the facts forming the basis for the petition and shall be signed under penalty of perjury or be verified.
(3) The petition may be filed before the child's birth.
[ 1985 c 421 § 3; 1984 c 155 § 10.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 26.33.020 was amended by 2019 c 46 § 5034, changing the definition of "alleged father" to "alleged genetic parent."
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.110 - Petition for termination—Time and place of hearing—Notice of hearing and petition—Contents.

RCW 26.33.110
Petition for termination—Time and place of hearing—Notice of hearing and petition—Contents.
(1) The court shall set a time and place for a hearing on the petition for termination of the parent-child relationship, which shall not be held sooner than forty-eight hours after the child's birth. However, if the child is an Indian child, the hearing shall not be held sooner than ten days after the child's birth and the time of the hearing shall be extended up to twenty additional days from the date of the scheduled hearing upon the motion of the parent, Indian custodian, or the child's tribe.
(2) Notice of the hearing shall be served on the petitioner, the nonconsenting parent or alleged genetic parent, the legal guardian of a party, and the guardian ad litem of a party, in the manner prescribed by RCW 26.33.310. If the child is an Indian child, notice of the hearing shall also be served on the child's tribe in the manner prescribed by 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1912(a).
(3) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the notice of the petition shall:
(a) State the date and place of birth. If the petition is filed prior to birth, the notice shall state the approximate date and location of conception of the child and the expected date of birth, and shall identify the mother;
(b) Inform the nonconsenting parent or alleged genetic parent that: (i) He or she has a right to be represented by counsel and that counsel will be appointed for an indigent person who requests counsel; and (ii) failure to respond to the termination action within twenty days of service if served within the state or thirty days if served outside of this state, will result in the termination of his or her parent-child relationship with respect to the child;
(c) Inform an alleged genetic parent that failure to file a claim of parentage under chapter 26.26A or 26.26B RCW or to respond to the petition, within twenty days of the date of service of the petition is grounds to terminate his or her parent-child relationship with respect to the child;
(d) Inform an alleged genetic parent of an Indian child that if he or she acknowledges parentage of the child or if his or her parentage of the child is established prior to the termination of the parent-child relationship, that his or her parental rights may not be terminated unless he or she: (i) Gives valid consent to termination, or (ii) his or her parent-child relationship is terminated involuntarily pursuant to chapter 26.33 or 13.34 RCW.
[ 2019 c 46 § 5035; 1995 c 270 § 5; 1987 c 170 § 5; 1985 c 421 § 4; 1984 c 155 § 11.]
NOTES:
Finding—1995 c 270: See note following RCW 74.13A.040.
Severability—1987 c 170: See note following RCW 13.04.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.120 - Termination—Grounds—Failure to appear.

RCW 26.33.120
Termination—Grounds—Failure to appear.
(1) Except in the case of an Indian child and his or her parent, the parent-child relationship of a parent may be terminated upon a showing by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that it is in the best interest of the child to terminate the relationship and that the parent has failed to perform parental duties under circumstances showing a substantial lack of regard for his or her parental obligations and is withholding consent to adoption contrary to the best interest of the child.
(2) Except in the case of an Indian child and his or her *alleged father, the parent-child relationship of an *alleged father who appears and claims paternity may be terminated upon a showing by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that it is in the best interest of the child to terminate the relationship and that:
(a) The *alleged father has failed to perform parental duties under circumstances showing a substantial lack of regard for his parental obligations and is withholding consent to adoption contrary to the best interest of the child; or
(b) He is not the father.
(3) The parent-child relationship of a parent or an *alleged father may be terminated if the parent or *alleged father fails to appear after being notified of the hearing in the manner prescribed by RCW 26.33.310.
(4) The parent-child relationship of an Indian child and his or her parent or *alleged father where paternity has been claimed or established, may be terminated only pursuant to the standards set forth in 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1912(f).
[ 1987 c 170 § 6; 1984 c 155 § 12.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 26.33.020 was amended by 2019 c 46 § 5034, changing the definition of "alleged father" to "alleged genetic parent."
Severability—1987 c 170: See note following RCW 13.04.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.130 - Termination order—Effect.

RCW 26.33.130
Termination order—Effect.
(1) If the court determines, after a hearing, that the parent-child relationship should be terminated pursuant to RCW 26.33.090 or 26.33.120, the court shall enter an appropriate order terminating the parent-child relationship.
(2) An order terminating the parent-child relationship divests the parent and the child of all legal rights, powers, privileges, immunities, duties, and obligations with respect to each other except past-due child support obligations owed by the parent.
(3) The parent-child relationship may be terminated with respect to one parent without affecting the parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent.
(4) The parent or *alleged father whose parent-child relationship with the child has been terminated is not thereafter entitled to notice of proceedings for the adoption of the child by another, nor has the parent or *alleged father any right to contest the adoption or otherwise to participate in the proceedings unless an appeal from the termination order is pending or unless otherwise ordered by the court.
[ 1984 c 155 § 13.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 26.33.020 was amended by 2019 c 46 § 5034, changing the definition of "alleged father" to "alleged genetic parent."
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.140 - Who may adopt or be adopted.

RCW 26.33.140
Who may adopt or be adopted.
(1) Any person may be adopted, regardless of his or her age or residence.
(2) Any person who is legally competent and who is eighteen years of age or older may be an adoptive parent.
[ 1984 c 155 § 14.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.150 - Petition for adoption—Filing—Contents—Preplacement report required.

RCW 26.33.150
Petition for adoption—Filing—Contents—Preplacement report required.
(1) An adoption proceeding is initiated by filing with the court a petition for adoption. The petition shall be filed by the prospective adoptive parent.
(2) A petition for adoption shall contain the following information:
(a) The name and address of the petitioner;
(b) The name, if any, gender, and place and date of birth, if known, of the adoptee;
(c) A statement that the child is or is not an Indian child covered by the Indian Child Welfare Act; and
(d) The name and address of the department or any agency, legal guardian, or person having custody of the child.
(3) The written consent to adoption of any person, the department, or agency which has been executed shall be filed with the petition.
(4) The petition shall be signed under penalty of perjury by the petitioner. If the petitioner is married, the petitioner's spouse shall join in the petition.
(5) If a preplacement report prepared pursuant to RCW 26.33.190 has not been previously filed with the court, the preplacement report shall be filed with the petition for adoption.
[ 1984 c 155 § 15.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.170 - Consent to adoption—When not required.

RCW 26.33.170
Consent to adoption—When not required.
(1) An agency's, the department's, or a legal guardian's consent to adoption may be dispensed with if the court determines by clear, cogent and convincing evidence that the proposed adoption is in the best interests of the adoptee.
(2) An *alleged father's, birth parent's, or parent's consent to adoption shall be dispensed with if the court finds that the proposed adoption is in the best interests of the adoptee and:
(a) The *alleged father, birth parent, or parent has been found guilty of rape under chapter 9A.44 RCW or incest under RCW 9A.64.020, where the adoptee was the victim of the rape or incest; or
(b) The *alleged father, birth parent, or parent has been found guilty of rape under chapter 9A.44 RCW or incest under RCW 9A.64.020, or has been found by clear and convincing evidence to have committed a sexual assault, where the other parent of the adoptee was the victim of the rape, incest, or sexual assault and the adoptee was conceived as a result of the rape, incest, or sexual assault, unless the parent who is the victim indicates by affidavit or sworn testimony that consent to adoption by the person who committed the rape, incest, or sexual assault should occur.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to eliminate the notice provisions of this chapter.
[ 2017 c 234 § 3; 1999 c 173 § 1; 1988 c 203 § 1; 1984 c 155 § 17.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 26.33.020 was amended by 2019 c 46 § 5034, changing the definition of "alleged father" to "alleged genetic parent."
Severability—1999 c 173: See note following RCW 13.34.125.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.180 - Preplacement report required before placement with adoptive parents—Exception.

RCW 26.33.180
Preplacement report required before placement with adoptive parents—Exception.
Except as provided in RCW 26.33.220, a child shall not be placed with prospective adoptive parents until a preplacement report has been filed with the court.
[ 1984 c 155 § 18.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.200 - Post-placement report—Requirements—Exception—Fees.

RCW 26.33.200
Post-placement report—Requirements—Exception—Fees.
(1) Except as provided in RCW 26.33.220, at the time the petition for adoption is filed, the court shall order a post-placement report made to determine the nature and adequacy of the placement and to determine if the placement is in the best interest of the child. The report shall be prepared by an agency, the department, an individual approved by the court, or a qualified salaried court employee appointed by the court. A certificate signed under penalty of perjury by the person preparing the report specifying his or her qualifications as required in this chapter shall be attached to or filed with each post-placement report. The report shall be in writing and contain all reasonably available information concerning the physical and mental condition of the child, home environment, family life, health, facilities and resources of the petitioners, and any other facts and circumstances relating to the propriety and advisability of the adoption. The report shall also include, if relevant, information on the child's special cultural heritage, including membership in any Indian tribe or band. The report shall be filed within sixty days of the date of appointment, unless the time is extended by the court. The preplacement report shall be made available to the person appointed to make the post-placement report.
(2) A fee may be charged for preparation of the post-placement report in the same manner as for a preplacement report under RCW 26.33.190.
[ 1990 c 146 § 4; 1984 c 155 § 20.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.210 - Preplacement or post-placement report—Department or agency may make report.

RCW 26.33.210
Preplacement or post-placement report—Department or agency may make report.
The department or an agency having the custody of a child may make the preplacement or post-placement report on a petitioner for the adoption of that child.
[ 1984 c 155 § 21.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.220 - Preplacement and post-placement reports—When not required.

RCW 26.33.220
Preplacement and post-placement reports—When not required.
Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the reports required by RCW 26.33.190 are not required if the petitioner seeks to adopt the child of the petitioner's spouse. The reports required by RCW 26.33.190 and 26.33.200 are not required if the adoptee is eighteen years of age or older.
[ 1984 c 155 § 22.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.230 - Notice of proceedings at which preplacement reports considered—Contents—Proof of service—Appearance—Waiver.

RCW 26.33.230
Notice of proceedings at which preplacement reports considered—Contents—Proof of service—Appearance—Waiver.
The petitioner shall give not less than three days written notice of any proceeding at which a preplacement report will be considered to all agencies, any court approved individual, or any court employee requested by the petitioner to make a preplacement report. The notice shall state the name of the petitioner, the cause number of the proceeding, the time and place of the hearing, and the object of the hearing. Proof of service on the agency or court approved individual in form satisfactory to the court shall be furnished. The agency or court approved individual may appear at the hearing and give testimony concerning any matters relevant to the relinquishment or the adoption and its recommendation as to the fitness of petitioners as parents. The agency or court approved individual may in writing acknowledge notice and state to the court that the agency or court approved individual does not desire to participate in the hearing or the agency or court approved individual may in writing waive notice of any hearing.
[ 1984 c 155 § 24.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.240 - Petition for adoption—Hearing—Notice—Disposition.

RCW 26.33.240
Petition for adoption—Hearing—Notice—Disposition.
(1) After the reports required by RCW 26.33.190 and 26.33.200 have been filed, the court shall schedule a hearing on the petition for adoption upon request of the petitioner for adoption. Notice of the date, time, and place of hearing shall be given to the petitioner and any person or agency whose consent to adoption is required under RCW 26.33.160, unless the person or agency has waived in writing the right to receive notice of the hearing. If the child is an Indian child, notice shall also be given to the child's tribe. Notice shall be given in the manner prescribed by RCW 26.33.310.
(2) Notice of the adoption hearing shall also be given to any person who or agency which has prepared a preplacement report. The notice shall be given in the manner prescribed by RCW 26.33.230.
(3) If the court determines, after review of the petition, preplacement and post-placement reports, and other evidence introduced at the hearing, that all necessary consents to adoption are valid or have been dispensed with pursuant to RCW 26.33.170 and that the adoption is in the best interest of the adoptee, and, in the case of an adoption of an Indian child, that the adoptive parents are within the placement preferences of RCW 13.38.180 or good cause to the contrary has been shown on the record, the court shall enter a decree of adoption pursuant to RCW 26.33.250.
(4) If the court determines the petition should not be granted because the adoption is not in the best interest of the child, the court shall make appropriate provision for the care and custody of the child.
[ 2011 c 309 § 33; 1987 c 170 § 8; 1984 c 155 § 23.]
NOTES:
Severability—1987 c 170: See note following RCW 13.04.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.250 - Decree of adoption—Determination of place and date of birth.

RCW 26.33.250
Decree of adoption—Determination of place and date of birth.
(1) A decree of adoption shall provide, as a minimum, the following information:
(a) The full original name of the person to be adopted;
(b) The full name of each petitioner for adoption;
(c) Whether the petitioner or petitioners are husband and wife, stepparent, or a single parent;
(d) The full new name of the person adopted, unless the name of the adoptee is not to be changed;
(e) Information to be incorporated in any new certificate of birth to be issued by the state or territorial registrar of vital records; and
(f) The adoptee's date of birth and place of birth as determined under subsection (3) of this section.
(2) Except for the names of the person adopted and the petitioner, information set forth in the decree that differs from that shown on the original birth certificate, alternative birth record, or other information used in lieu of such a record shall be included in the decree only upon a clear showing that the information in the original record is erroneous.
(3) In determining the date and place of birth of a person born outside the United States, the court shall:
(a) If available, enter in the decree the exact date and place of birth as stated in the birth certificate from the country of origin or in the United States department of state's report of birth abroad or in the documents of the United States immigration and naturalization service;
(b) If the exact place of birth is unknown, enter in the decree such information as may be known and designate a place of birth in the country of origin;
(c) If the exact date of birth is unknown, determine a date of birth based upon medical testimony as to the probable chronological age of the adoptee and other evidence regarding the adoptee's age that the court finds appropriate to consider;
(d) In any other case where documents of the United States immigration and naturalization service are not available, the court shall determine the date and place of birth based upon such evidence as the court in its discretion determines appropriate.
[ 1984 c 155 § 25.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.260 - Decree of adoption—Effect—Accelerated appeal—Limited grounds to challenge—Intent.

RCW 26.33.260
Decree of adoption—Effect—Accelerated appeal—Limited grounds to challenge—Intent.
(1) The entry of a decree of adoption divests any parent or *alleged father who is not married to the adoptive parent or who has not joined in the petition for adoption of all legal rights and obligations in respect to the adoptee, except past-due child support obligations. The adoptee shall be free from all legal obligations of obedience and maintenance in respect to the parent. The adoptee shall be, to all intents and purposes, and for all legal incidents, the child, legal heir, and lawful issue of the adoptive parent, entitled to all rights and privileges, including the right of inheritance and the right to take under testamentary disposition, and subject to all the obligations of a natural child of the adoptive parent.
(2) Any appeal of an adoption decree shall be decided on an accelerated review basis.
(3) Except as otherwise provided in RCW 26.33.160 (3) and (4)(h), no person may challenge an adoption decree on the grounds of:
(a) A person claiming or alleging paternity subsequently appears and alleges lack of prior notice of the proceeding; or
(b) The adoption proceedings were in any other manner defective.
(4) It is the intent of the legislature that this section provide finality for adoptive placements and stable homes for children.
[ 1995 c 270 § 7; 1984 c 155 § 26.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 26.33.020 was amended by 2019 c 46 § 5034, changing the definition of "alleged father" to "alleged genetic parent."
Finding—1995 c 270: See note following RCW 74.13A.040.
Inheritance by adopted child: RCW 11.04.085.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.270 - Decree of adoption—Protection of certain rights and benefits.

RCW 26.33.270
Decree of adoption—Protection of certain rights and benefits.
An order or decree entered under this chapter shall not disentitle a child to any benefit due the child from any third person, agency, state, or the United States. Action under this chapter shall not affect any rights and benefits that a native American child derives from the child's descent from a member of an Indian tribe or band.
[ 1984 c 155 § 27.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.280 - Decree of adoption—Transmittal to state registrar of vital statistics.

RCW 26.33.280
Decree of adoption—Transmittal to state registrar of vital statistics.
After a decree of adoption is entered, as soon as the time for appeal has expired, or if an appeal is taken, and the adoption is affirmed on appeal, the clerk of the court shall transmit to the state registrar of vital statistics a certified copy of the decree, along with any additional information and fees required by the registrar.
[ 1984 c 155 § 28.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.290 - Decree of adoption—Duties of state registrar of vital statistics.

RCW 26.33.290
Decree of adoption—Duties of state registrar of vital statistics.
Upon receipt of a decree of adoption, the state registrar of vital statistics shall:
(1) Return the decree to the court clerk if all information required by RCW 26.33.250 is not included in the decree;
(2) If the adoptee was born in a state other than Washington, or in a territory of the United States, forward the certificate of adoption to the appropriate health record recording agency of the state or territory of the United States in which the birth occurred;
(3) If the adoptee was born outside of the United States or its territories, issue a new certificate of birth by the office of the state registrar of vital statistics which reflects the information contained in the decree.
[ 1984 c 155 § 29.]
NOTES:
Vital statistics: Chapter 70.58A RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.295 - Open adoption agreements—Agreed orders—Enforcement.

RCW 26.33.295
Open adoption agreements—Agreed orders—Enforcement.
(1) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the parties to a proceeding under this chapter from entering into agreements regarding communication with or contact between child adoptees, adoptive parents, siblings of child adoptees, and a birth parent or parents.
(2) Agreements regarding communication with or contact between child adoptees, adoptive parents, siblings of child adoptees, and a birth parent or parents shall not be legally enforceable unless the terms of the agreement are set forth in a written court order entered in accordance with the provisions of this section. The court shall not enter a proposed order unless the terms of such order have been approved in writing by the prospective adoptive parents, any birth parent whose parental rights have not previously been terminated, and, if the child or siblings of the child are in the custody of the department or a licensed child-placing agency, a representative of the department or child-placing agency. If the child is represented by an attorney or guardian ad litem in a proceeding under this chapter or in any other child-custody proceeding, the terms of the proposed order also must be approved in writing by the child's representative. An agreement under this section need not disclose the identity of the parties to be legally enforceable. The court shall not enter a proposed order unless the court finds that the communication or contact with the child adoptee, as agreed upon and as set forth in the proposed order, would be in the child adoptee's best interests.
(3) Failure to comply with the terms of an agreed order regarding communication or contact that has been entered by the court pursuant to this section shall not be grounds for setting aside an adoption decree or revocation of a written consent to an adoption after that consent has been approved by the court as provided in this chapter.
(4) An agreed order entered pursuant to this section may be enforced by a civil action and the prevailing party in that action may be awarded, as part of the costs of the action, a reasonable amount to be fixed by the court as attorneys' fees. The court shall not modify an agreed order under this section unless it finds that the modification is necessary to serve the best interests of the child adoptee, and that: (a) The modification is agreed to by the adoptive parent and the birth parent or parents; or (b) exceptional circumstances have arisen since the agreed order was entered that justify modification of the order.
(5) This section does not require the department or other supervising agency to agree to any specific provisions in an open adoption agreement and does not create a new obligation for the department to provide supervision or transportation for visits between siblings separated by adoption from foster care.
[ 2009 c 234 § 3; 1990 c 285 § 4.]
NOTES:
Findings—Purpose—Severability—1990 c 285: See notes following RCW 74.04.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.300 - Adoption statistical data.

RCW 26.33.300
Adoption statistical data.
The department of health shall be a depository for statistical data concerning adoption. It shall furnish to the clerk of each county a data card which shall be completed and filed with the clerk on behalf of each petitioner. The clerk shall forward the completed cards to the department of health which shall compile the data and publish reports summarizing the data. A birth certificate shall not be issued showing the petitioner as the parent of any child adopted in the state of Washington until a data card has been completed and filed.
[ 1991 c 3 § 288; 1990 c 146 § 5; 1984 c 155 § 30.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.320 - Adoption of hard to place children—Court's consideration of state's agreement with prospective adoptive parents.

RCW 26.33.320
Adoption of hard to place children—Court's consideration of state's agreement with prospective adoptive parents.
(1) In deciding whether to grant a petition for adoption of a hard to place child and in reviewing any request for the vacation or modification of a decree of adoption, the superior court shall consider any agreement made or proposed to be made between the department and any prospective adoptive parent for any payment or payments which have been provided or which are to be provided by the department in support of the adoption of such child. Before the date of the hearing on the petition to adopt, vacate, or modify an adoption decree, the department shall file as part of the adoption file with respect to the child a copy of any initial agreement, together with any changes made in the agreement, or in the related standards.
(2) If the court, in its judgment, finds the provision made in an agreement to be inadequate, it may make any recommendation as it deems warranted with respect to the agreement to the department. The court shall not, however, solely by virtue of this section, be empowered to direct the department to make payment. This section shall not be deemed to limit any other power of the superior court with respect to the adoption and any related matter.
[ 1984 c 155 § 32.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.330 - Records sealed—Inspection—Fee.

RCW 26.33.330
Records sealed—Inspection—Fee.
(1) All records of any proceeding under this chapter shall be sealed and shall not be thereafter open to inspection by any person except upon order of the court for good cause shown, or except by using the procedure described in RCW 26.33.343. In determining whether good cause exists, the court shall consider any certified statement on file with the department of health as provided in RCW 26.33.347.
(2) The state registrar of vital statistics may charge a reasonable fee for the review of any of its sealed records.
[ 1996 c 243 § 3; 1990 c 145 § 3; 1984 c 155 § 33.]
NOTES:
Finding—1996 c 243: See note following RCW 26.33.347.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.340 - Department, agency, and court files confidential—Limited disclosure of information.

RCW 26.33.340
Department, agency, and court files confidential—Limited disclosure of information.
Department, agency, and court files regarding an adoption shall be confidential except that reasonably available nonidentifying information may be disclosed upon the written request for the information from the adoptive parent, the adoptee, or the birth parent. If the adoption facilitator refuses to disclose nonidentifying information, the individual may petition the superior court. Identifying information may also be disclosed through the procedure described in RCW 26.33.343.
[ 1993 c 81 § 2; 1990 c 145 § 4; 1984 c 155 § 34.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.347 - Consent or refusal to release adoptee's identifying information—Desire to be contacted—Certified statement.

RCW 26.33.347
Consent or refusal to release adoptee's identifying information—Desire to be contacted—Certified statement.
(1) An adopted person over the age of eighteen may file with the department of health a certified statement declaring any one or more of the following:
(a) The adoptee refuses to consent to the release of any identifying information to a biological parent, biological sibling, or other biological relative and does not wish to be contacted by a confidential intermediary except in the case of a medical emergency as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction;
(b) The adoptee consents to the release of any identifying information to a confidential intermediary appointed under RCW 26.33.343, a biological parent, biological sibling, or other biological relative;
(c) The adoptee desires to be contacted by his or her biological parents, biological siblings, other biological relatives, or a confidential intermediary appointed under RCW 26.33.343;
(d) The current name, address, and telephone number of the adoptee who desires to be contacted.
(2) The certified statement shall be filed with the department of health and placed with the adoptee's original birth certificate if the adoptee was born in this state, or in a separate registry file for reference purposes if the adoptee was born in another state or outside of the United States. When the statement includes a request for confidentiality or a refusal to consent to the disclosure of identifying information, a prominent notice stating substantially the following shall also be placed at the front of the file: "AT THE REQUEST OF THE ADOPTEE, ALL RECORDS AND IDENTIFYING INFORMATION RELATING TO THIS ADOPTION SHALL REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL AND SHALL NOT BE DISCLOSED OR RELEASED WITHOUT A COURT ORDER SO DIRECTING."
(3) An adopted person who files a certified statement under subsection (1) of this section may subsequently file another certified statement requesting to rescind or amend the prior certified statement.
[ 1996 c 243 § 2.]
NOTES:
Finding—1996 c 243: "The legislature finds that it is in the best interest of the people of the state of Washington to support the adoption process in a variety of ways, including protecting the privacy interests of adult adoptees when the confidential intermediary process is used." [ 1996 c 243 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.350 - Medical reports—Requirements.

RCW 26.33.350
Medical reports—Requirements.
(1) Every person, firm, society, association, corporation, or state agency receiving, securing a home for, or otherwise caring for a minor child shall transmit to the prospective adopting parent prior to placement and shall make available to all persons with whom a child has been placed by adoption a complete medical report containing all known and available information concerning the disabilities of the child.
(2) The report shall not reveal the identity of the birth parent of the child except as authorized under this chapter but shall include any known or available mental or physical health history of the birth parent that needs to be known by the adoptive parent to facilitate proper health care for the child or that will assist the adoptive parent in maximizing the developmental potential of the child.
(3) Where known or available, the information provided shall include:
(a) A review of the birth family's and the child's previous medical history, including the child's x-rays, examinations, hospitalizations, and immunizations. After July 1, 1992, medical histories shall be given on a standardized reporting form developed by the department;
(b) A physical exam of the child by a licensed physician with appropriate laboratory tests and x-rays;
(c) A referral to a specialist if indicated; and
(d) A written copy of the evaluation with recommendations to the adoptive family receiving the report.
(4) Entities and persons obligated to provide information under this section shall make reasonable efforts to locate records and information concerning the child's disabilities. The entities or persons providing the information have no duty, beyond providing the information, to explain or interpret the records or information regarding the child's present or future health.
[ 2020 c 274 § 4; 1994 c 170 § 1; 1991 c 136 § 4; 1990 c 146 § 6; 1989 c 281 § 1; 1984 c 155 § 37.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.360 - Petition by natural parent to set aside adoption—Costs—Time limit.

RCW 26.33.360
Petition by natural parent to set aside adoption—Costs—Time limit.
(1) If a natural parent unsuccessfully petitions to have an adoption set aside, the court shall award costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, to the adoptive parent.
(2) If a natural parent successfully petitions to have an adoption set aside, the natural parent shall be liable to the adoptive parent for both the actual expenditures and the value of services rendered by the adoptive parents in caring for the child.
(3) A natural parent who has executed a written consent to adoption shall not bring an action to set aside an adoption more than one year after the date the court approved the written consent.
[ 1984 c 155 § 35.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.3701 - Permanent care and custody of a child—Assumption, relinquishment, or transfer except by court order or statute, when prohibited—Penalty.

RCW 26.33.3701
Permanent care and custody of a child—Assumption, relinquishment, or transfer except by court order or statute, when prohibited—Penalty.
See RCW 26.38.110.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.380 - Family and social history report required—Identity of birth parents confidential.

RCW 26.33.380
Family and social history report required—Identity of birth parents confidential.
(1) Every person, firm, society, association, corporation, or state agency receiving, securing a home for, or otherwise caring for a minor child shall transmit to the prospective adopting parent prior to placement and shall make available to all persons with whom a child has been placed by adoption, a family background and child and family social history report, which includes a chronological history of the circumstances surrounding the adoptive placement and any available psychiatric reports, psychological reports, court reports pertaining to dependency or custody, or school reports. Such reports or information shall not reveal the identity of the birth parents of the child but shall contain reasonably available nonidentifying information.
(2) Entities and persons obligated to provide information under this section shall make reasonable efforts to locate records and information concerning the child's family background and social history. The entities or persons providing the information have no duty, beyond providing the information, to explain or interpret the records or information regarding the child's mental or physical health.
[ 1994 c 170 § 2; 1993 c 81 § 4; 1989 c 281 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.385 - Standards for locating records and information—Rules.

RCW 26.33.385
Standards for locating records and information—Rules.
The department shall adopt rules, in consultation with affected parties, establishing minimum standards for making reasonable efforts to locate records and information relating to adoptions as required under RCW 26.33.350 and 26.33.380.
[ 1994 c 170 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.390 - Information on adoption-related services.

RCW 26.33.390
Information on adoption-related services.
(1) All persons adopting a child through the department shall receive written information on the department's adoption-related services including, but not limited to, adoption support, family reconciliation services, archived records, mental health, and developmental disabilities.
(2) Any person adopting a child shall receive from the adoption facilitator written information on adoption-related services. This information may be that published by the department or any other social service provider and shall include information about how to find and evaluate appropriate adoption therapists, and may include other resources for adoption-related issues.
(3) Any person involved in providing adoption-related services shall respond to requests for written information by providing materials explaining adoption procedures, practices, policies, fees, and services.
[ 1991 c 136 § 5; 1990 c 146 § 7; 1989 c 281 § 3.]