Adoption

General information

State statutes relating to adoption can be found in Chapter 26.33 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). You can also use the Child Welfare Information Gateway's state statutes search for help finding specific adoption-related topics, (e.g., access to records, consent, jurisdiction) in the statutes.

Forms and instructions

Though Washington State uses mandatory pattern forms for many family law cases, there are no pattern forms for adoption cases.

King County Adoption Services has legal forms for limited types of adoptions available for purchase at their Family Court Services office in Seattle or by mail. Each packet comes with forms and instructions to assist in completing the adoption process. Packets are available for the following types of adoptions:

  • Step-parent / Second Parent consenting
  • Step-parent / Second Parent non-consenting
  • Adult
  • International (Re-adoption)
  • Independent / In Home (Non-agency)

According to the King County Adoption Services FAQ, "You may feel free to modify our forms for use in another county."

Additional resources

Additional print resources about adoption and other family law topics are available at the law library.