Home > I Want to Adopt > Domestic Adoption > Steps to Domestic Adoption > Finalization
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Finalization
Adoption Finalization occurs in Probate Court no sooner than 6 months after the adoptive placement.
When you appear at the finalization hearing with the child, your Adoption Connection social worker will be by your side in support of the adoption. The Judge or Magistrate will review information about the child, the birthparents and you, the adoptive parents. The petition to adopt is also reviewed, and once approved, the adoption is finalized and an Adoption Decree is issued.
With this the child’s name is legally changed and the court orders the issuance of a new, amended birth certificate with the names of the adoptive parents and the child’s new name.
But finalization does not mean the end of Adoption Connection’s support and guidance! Adoption Connection offers Post-Finalization services throughout the lifetime of the adoption.