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FEES: See Fees Associated with Adoptions FORMS REQUIRED • Petition for Adoption (PCA 301) • Four letters of reference from non-relatives • Social History form (Montcalm County form) • Petitioner’s Verified Accounting (PCA 347) 7-day/21 day • Statement of Services Performed by Attorney (PCA 346) 7–day/21 day (if services of attorney are used) • Certified copies (containing the raised seal) of the following documents: • Child’s Birth Certificate • Marriage license for petitioners • Judgment of Divorce for petitioners’ previous marriages, if any • Any custody, support, visitation, paternity orders entered regarding the minor child. • Death Certificate for any deceased parent • For relative adoptions, proof of relationship • For adoptions by guardians, Order Appointing Guardian, Letters of Guardianship REQUIREMENTS • Must be a resident of Montcalm County for not less than one year prior to the date of filing. • Petitioners must be married for at least one year prior to the date of filing.
• Must be related to adoptee within the 5th degree by blood or marriage, or full guardian with authority to consent to the adoption of the adoptee. • Consent of the mother and legal father is required. A putative father does not need to give his consent; however it should be obtained whenever possible. If the petitioner is a guardian, and the Guardian has obtained authority to execute the consent from the Court which appointed the guardian, the parents do not need to give their consent. • The adoptee (if 14 years of age or older) must consent to the adoption. FILING: It is recommended that the document be brought to the Probate Court office by the petitioner for filing. Filings may be completed by mail, however there may be a delay if your documents are not complete or correct. See Location/Hours of Court. Keep copies of all documents filed with the Court for your records and to provide to the interested persons. Copies obtained from the Court are $1.00 per page.
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