Adoption Hearing

You can download the forms you need from the Judicial Council Forms page or by clicking on the form links, below:
 

• Adoption Request Form Adopt-200
• Adoption Agreement Form Adopt-210
• Adoption Order Form Adopt-215
• Adoption Expenses Form Adopt-230 (for Agency and Independent Adoptions only)

Tip: from the Judicial Council Forms page , use the dropdown box to choose “Adoption.” Then, click the “See forms” button.

Or, buy them from a bookstore or stationery store. (Check the Yellow Pages under Legal Documents.)

File your adoption forms in the Probate Department of the Superior Court, located at the Downtown Superior Court. The Downtown Superior Court page has the courthouse location, phone number and office hours.
 

You have to pay a filing fee for each child you want to adopt. Look for the "Petition for adoption" fee in the Family Law Fees section of the local fee schedule . You can pay by cash or check. Make your check out to the Superior Court.

Call the Probate Clerk’s Office at 408-882-2654 during regular office hours (Monday through Thursday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm and Fridays 8:30am to 12:00 pm) once you receive a copy of the report recommending Adoption.

Hearings are on Mondays at 11:00 a.m.

Your forms must be on file at least 10 days before your hearing.

Yes. All adoption proceedings are heard privately in the Judge's chambers. Friends, family, and cameras are always welcome.
 

Bring the child you are adopting, a camera (if you want a photo of you and your child with the judge), and any friends and relatives you want to have with you.

If you are adopting a stepchild, the child, natural parent and stepparent must come to the hearing.
 

After your hearing, file your papers with the Probate Department Clerk. You can get certified copies of the Order of Adoption for free. Just ask the clerk.
 

• Adoption home page
• Agency adoptions
• Independent adoptions
• Stepparent adoptions
• Rights of birth parents
• Birth records
• Adoption terms
• Adult adoption
• Adoption resources