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HomeFamily CodeDiv. 13Pt. 2Ch. 1§ 8617 Parental Rights After Adoption

§ 8617 Parental Rights After Adoption

Family Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 8617 Parental Rights After Adoption

Key Takeaways

  • •When a child is adopted, the birth parents usually don't have to take care of the child anymore or make decisions for them.
  • •The birth parents and the new parents can agree to keep some rights if they sign a paper before the adoption is final.
  • •This rule doesn't apply to kids adopted from other countries.

Example

A single mom gives her child up for adoption to another family.

Once the adoption is done, the mom doesn't have to pay for the child's needs or make decisions about school or doctors. But if she and the new parents sign a special paper before the adoption, she might still get to visit the child or have some say in their life.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 8617 Parental Rights After Adoption

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the existing parent or parents of an adopted child are, from the time of the adoption, relieved of all parental duties towards, and all responsibility for, the adopted child, and have no right over the child. (b) The termination of the parental duties and responsibilities of the existing parent or parents under subdivision (a) may be waived if both the existing parent or parents and the prospective adoptive parent or parents sign a waiver at any time prior to the finalization of the adoption. The waiver shall be filed with the court. (c) This section applies to all adoptions except intercountry adoptions governed by Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 8900). (Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 192, Sec. 1. (AB 1373) Effective January 1, 2020.)

Last verified: January 21, 2026

Key Terms

existing parent or parentsprospective adoptive parent or parentswaiverintercountry adoptions

Related Statutes

  • § 9306 Parental Rights Termination After Adoption
  • § 1500 Marital Property Agreements
  • § 1501 Minor Marital Property Agreements
  • § 1502 Marital Property Agreement Recording
  • § 1503 Premarital Agreements Validity

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Family Code. Section 8617.
View Official Source