Adoption in New Hampshire is both a legal process and a personal journey—one shaped by compassion, responsibility, and a desire to provide a child with a secure and loving home. Whether you're a birth mother, an adoptive parent, or an adoptee, understanding the state's adoption laws is key to making informed decisions.

This guide simplifies complex legal topics into clear, practical insights about timelines, consent, finalization, open adoption, and your rights throughout. You’ll learn what rights and choices are available to birth mothers, the legal steps and requirements adoptive parents must complete, and how adoptees can access the personal and legal information that may shape their understanding of identity and family history.

Speak with Experts Now to learn how the process works and how we can help.

No matter where you are in your adoption journey, this guide is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

For Birth Mothers: Your Legal Rights

As a birth mother, understanding your legal rights can bring clarity and peace of mind during a deeply personal decision. This section outlines your options, protections, and what to expect at each stage of the adoption process under New Hampshire law.

Can I choose adoption for my baby?

Yes. In New Hampshire, birth parents have the legal authority to voluntarily place a child for adoption. This decision initiates a formal legal process that must be reviewed and approved by the court to confirm that it meets the statutory requirements of a lawful adoption.

Judicial validation is required to finalize the consent and ensure the adoption complies with state law, thereby establishing its legal enforceability and permanency.

Relevant Law: NH Rev Stat §170-B:3

When can I place my baby for adoption?

Under New Hampshire law, a birth parent must wait a minimum of 72 hours after childbirth before legally signing adoption consent forms. This statutory waiting period allows for post-delivery recovery and reflection, ensuring the decision is made voluntarily and without immediate emotional pressure.

To be valid under the law consent must be executed in writing, signed before an authorized witness or notary, and meet all procedural safeguards required by the state.

Relevant Law: NH Rev Stat §170-B:8

Can I get my baby back after adoption?

In New Hampshire, once the court formally approves a birth parent’s consent to adoption, that consent becomes irrevocable — you cannot withdraw it simply because you have changed your mind. This legal finality is designed to provide stability and certainty for the child, the adoptive family, and all parties involved.

To legally challenge a previously approved consent, the burden of proof falls on the contesting party to demonstrate that the consent was obtained through fraud, coercion, or duress. These are narrow exceptions, and courts require compelling evidence to consider invalidating a finalized consent.

Relevant Law: NH Rev Stat §170-B:11

Do both birth parents have to sign?

Generally, yes. In New Hampshire, both biological parents are expected to provide informed, voluntary consent for an adoption to move forward. This means each parent must understand the legal consequences of their decision and agree without coercion or pressure. The law prioritizes the integrity of this process to protect the rights of all parties and ensure that the adoption is in the best interests of the child.

However, the law recognizes exceptions. If one parent has abandoned the child, failed to legally establish paternity, or is deemed unfit due to circumstances such as neglect, substance abuse, or endangerment, the court may waive that parent’s consent.

These determinations must be supported by clear, documented evidence and are evaluated based on whether they serve the child’s long-term physical, emotional, and developmental needs.

Relevant Law: NH Rev Stat §170-B:6

Can you do adoption without the father's consent?

Possibly. In New Hampshire, a biological father's consent to adoption may not be required if he has not taken specific legal steps to preserve his parental rights. These include establishing legal paternity or registering with the state’s Putative Father Registry within the required timeframe.

The law outlines the criteria courts use to determine whether a father’s involvement is legally recognized. If the father has not filed for custody, is not listed on the birth certificate, or has otherwise failed to demonstrate a timely and sustained commitment to parenting, the court may find that his consent is not necessary.

Because these determinations depend on detailed legal and procedural factors, consulting with a qualified adoption attorney is essential to understand how these provisions may apply to your specific situation.

Relevant Laws: NH Rev Stat §170-B:5 and §170-B:6

Can I get paid for adoption?

While New Hampshire law prohibits direct payment in exchange for placing a child for adoption, birth mothers may legally receive financial assistance to cover necessary, documented pregnancy-related expenses.

This assistance can include housing, medical and prenatal care, delivery costs, transportation, maternity clothing, food, and legal or counseling services specifically connected to the adoption process. All support must be reasonable, clearly documented, and submitted for court approval.

These safeguards are designed to prevent coercion, uphold the voluntary nature of adoption, and maintain transparency throughout the process.

Relevant Laws: NH Rev Stat §170-B:13

Can I choose who adopts my baby?

Yes. In New Hampshire, birth parents have the ability to choose the adoptive family for their child, and their preferences are central to the matching process. While there is no single statute that explicitly states, “birth parents have the right to choose the adoptive family,” this right is well-established in practice. It is supported by New Hampshire’s legal allowance for both agency-led and independent adoptions.

Licensed adoption agencies and attorneys are authorized to present adoptive family profiles for birth parents to review and select from, providing meaningful options and control during a highly personal decision.

You may review detailed family profiles that include parenting styles, values, cultural background, and lifestyle. Many birth parents also meet prospective adoptive families in person or virtually to establish comfort and trust. This process is typically facilitated by a licensed professional to ensure transparency, emotional support, and legal compliance throughout your adoption journey.

Can people from a different state adopt my baby?

Yes. Out-of-state adoptive families may adopt a child from New Hampshire if the placement complies with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC). The ICPC is a federally mandated agreement between all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories that regulates interstate adoption placements. Before a child can be transferred, both the sending state (New Hampshire) and the receiving state must approve the placement.

This dual-approval process ensures the adoptive family meets the legal, procedural, and safety standards of both jurisdictions. ICPC compliance helps protect the child’s welfare, prevents legal conflicts, and promotes consistent oversight across state lines.

Relevant Laws: NH Rev Stat §170-A:1 through §170-A:11

Can I pursue adoption without an agency?

Yes. In New Hampshire, the law does not distinguish between independent and agency adoption. You may pursue an independent adoption, which allows birth and adoptive parents to work directly with a licensed attorney rather than through a full-service adoption agency. This approach is still subject to all applicable legal standards, possibly creating legal obstacles those working with an agency could more easily overcome.

The adoption must be approved by the court, and a comprehensive home study must be conducted by a licensed child-placing professional to evaluate the adoptive family’s fitness. Independent adoptions require compliance with the same statutory requirements as agency-led placements—including background checks, legal documentation, and court oversight—to ensure the child’s safety and best interests are fully protected.

Relevant Laws: NH Rev Stat §170-B:4

Can my spouse adopt my child?

Yes. Stepparent adoptions are a recognized and frequently used legal pathway in New Hampshire for formalizing the parent-child relationship between a stepparent and their spouse’s child. Under NH Rev Stat §170-B:4, the stepparent must file a formal adoption petition with the family court. This petition initiates a legal process that affirms the stepparent’s commitment and legal responsibility to the child.

Ordinarily, the consent of the child’s other legal parent is required under §170-B:5. This ensures that the adoption respects existing parental rights and that any change in legal status occurs transparently. However, New Hampshire law also recognizes that such consent may not always be possible or appropriate. Under §170-B:6, the court may waive the consent requirement if the other parent is deceased, has legally abandoned the child, has failed to maintain contact or support, or has had their parental rights terminated due to unfitness or endangerment.

In addition to the legal petition, the process may involve background checks or a home study, depending on the court’s discretion and the specifics of the case. Once the adoption is finalized, the stepparent becomes the child’s legal parent in all respects—with full rights and responsibilities equivalent to those of a biological parent.

Relevant Laws: NH Rev Stat §170-B:4 through §170-B:6

Can a family member adopt my baby?

Yes. This is known as kinship or relative adoption. It refers to placing a child with a biological family member—such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, adult sibling, or other close relative—and it typically follows the same legal procedures as non-relative adoptions. These include filing a legal petition, obtaining court approval, completing background checks, and often undergoing a home study.

Courts may give preference to kinship placements when the relative has an existing, meaningful relationship with the child and is determined to be a safe, stable, and willing caregiver. Judges may consider the benefits of preserving familial ties, cultural continuity, and emotional stability when evaluating these placements. Kinship adoption is often viewed as a way to minimize trauma and maintain the child’s sense of identity, which can weigh positively in judicial decisions.

Relevant Law: NH Rev Stat §170-B:4

Can I remain anonymous?

New Hampshire provides strong legal protections for privacy throughout the adoption process. Once an adoption is finalized, a new birth certificate is issued listing the adoptive parents, while the original birth certificate is sealed and can only be accessed by court order or under specific legal exceptions.

In addition to sealed records, New Hampshire law permits the use of court-approved confidentiality agreements to protect identifying details and limit disclosure between birth and adoptive families. These agreements—governed by adoption-specific provisions and the state's broader vital records laws—help maintain privacy without compromising the procedural transparency required for a lawful and ethical adoption.

Together, these safeguards strike a deliberate balance: they protect the rights and privacy of birth parents while ensuring the legal integrity of the adoption process.

Relevant Laws: NH Rev Stat §170-B:22 through §5-C:25

Can I have contact after adoption?

Yes. Open adoption is legally recognized in New Hampshire, and while not required, it is often encouraged when it supports the child’s emotional and developmental well-being. Birth and adoptive families may create a Post-Adoption Contact Agreement (PACA) to outline how they’ll stay in touch after finalization. These agreements can include letters, phone calls, photos, or in-person visits.

In most private adoptions, PACAs are informal and not automatically enforceable. However, when the child is under the custody or guardianship of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), allows for a voluntarily mediated and court-approved agreement to be legally binding.

For enforceability, the agreement must be in writing, approved before the adoption decree, and found by the court to serve the child’s best interests. The court considers the child’s relationships, stability, safety, and the willingness of all parties to support the child’s needs. All parties must affirm that the agreement was entered into voluntarily and without coercion. If the child is 14 or older, their written consent is also required.

Once approved, the agreement is enforceable until the child turns 18. Parties can later ask the court to enforce, change, or end the agreement, but they must first attempt mediation in good faith. While courts may limit or reduce contact, they cannot expand it beyond what was originally agreed.

Relevant Law: NH Rev Stat §170-B:14

How does tribal adoption work?

Adoptions involving Native American children are governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), a federal statute designed to safeguard tribal integrity and prevent the unwarranted separation of Native American families. ICWA mandates that the child's tribe be notified of all adoption or termination proceedings and be given a meaningful opportunity to intervene.

The law also establishes a specific placement hierarchy favoring the child’s extended family, members of the child’s tribe, or other Native American families, when available. In addition, ICWA imposes heightened procedural and evidentiary standards for terminating parental rights, reflecting the historical trauma caused by the displacement of Native children. These provisions uphold tribal sovereignty and protect the cultural and familial identity of Native American children.

Relevant Law: 25 U.S.C. §1901 et seq.

Can I use New Hampshire’s Safe Haven law?

Yes. Under New Hampshire’s Safe Haven law, a parent may legally and anonymously surrender an infant who is less than 7 days old to authorized locations such as hospitals, police departments, or fire stations—without facing criminal charges.

This statute offers a secure and non-punitive option for parents in crisis, aiming to prevent unsafe abandonment and safeguard the child’s immediate well-being. The law outlines strict eligibility and procedural requirements to ensure both safety and legal protection.

Relevant Law: NH Rev Stat §132-A

What rights do birth parents retain after adoption?

Once an adoption is finalized in New Hampshire, all legal rights of the birth parents are permanently and irrevocably terminated. This includes decision-making authority related to custody, visitation, education, medical care, and legal status. After finalization, birth parents no longer hold any legal standing in the child's life.

However, if a Post-Adoption Contact Agreement (PACA) is established and approved by the court, it may permit continued communication between the birth and adoptive families. PACAs can include structured arrangements such as letters, updates, or occasional visits.

Although not automatically enforceable, a PACA becomes legally binding if the court finds that its terms serve the child’s best interests and meet statutory requirements. These agreements offer a legal framework for maintaining open adoption relationships while preserving the finality of adoptive placements.

Relevant Laws: NH Rev Stat §170-B:11 and §170-B:14

For Adoptive Families: Starting Your Family with Confidence

Adopting a child in New Hampshire includes several important legal steps designed to protect everyone involved. This section outlines key questions and considerations for adoptive parents, helping you understand what to expect as you navigate the process.

Do you have to be married to adopt?

No. New Hampshire does not require adoptive parents to be married. Both individuals and couples, regardless of marital status, gender identity, or sexual orientation, are legally eligible to adopt.

This inclusive framework reflects the state’s commitment to nondiscrimination in family formation, ensuring that qualified individuals—including single parents, unmarried partners, and LGBTQ+ families—can pursue adoption with equal legal standing.

The law centers on the child’s best interests by evaluating factors such as the prospective parent’s stability, maturity, financial preparedness, and capacity to provide a safe and supportive environment—not their relationship status or household structure.

Relevant Laws: NH Rev Stat §170-B:4

How old do you have to be?

You must be at least 21 years of age to adopt in New Hampshire. This age requirement reflects the state's goal of ensuring that adoptive parents possess key characteristics—such as emotional maturity, life experience, financial stability, and decision-making capacity—associated with safe and effective parenting.

The minimum age also provides a consistent baseline for assessing parental readiness across all types of adoption, including private, agency, kinship, and stepparent placements. It serves as a uniform legal threshold to help the court evaluate a prospective parent’s ability to provide stable care and make informed decisions on behalf of the child.

While exceptions may be granted in extraordinary cases—such as kinship or stepparent adoptions—the court applies heightened scrutiny to ensure the proposed placement still serves the child's best interests.

Relevant Policy: NH DCYF Requirements

Do you need a home study for private adoption?

Yes. In New Hampshire, a home study is required for all adoptions, whether facilitated through a licensed agency or pursued independently. This legally mandated evaluation must be completed before the court may act on an adoption petition.

The home study—also called a pre-placement assessment—is conducted by a licensed child-placing agency or an individual approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). It provides a comprehensive review of the prospective adoptive parent's ability to provide a safe, stable, and supportive home environment.

The evaluation typically includes:

• Home environment inspection
• Criminal background checks
• Financial documentation
• Health and lifestyle assessments
• Personal interviews and reference checks
• Parenting preparedness evaluations

Training may also be required, especially for first-time adoptive parents or those adopting through the foster care system. Upon completion, the evaluator compiles the findings into a formal written report that must be submitted to the court and reviewed as part of the adoption proceeding.

This home study process is a vital safeguard in ensuring that every placement aligns with the child’s best interests and complies with New Hampshire’s adoption standards.

Relevant Law: NH Rev Stat §170-B:18

Is a home study required for independent adoptions?

Yes. All adoptive placements in New Hampshire require a completed home study conducted by a licensed social worker or approved agency. This requirement applies universally—including in independent adoptions without agency involvement—and serves as a critical safeguard to ensure child safety and well-being.

The home study evaluates the adoptive family’s home environment, lifestyle, background, and emotional and financial readiness to raise a child. It also includes reference checks, interviews, and documentation review. This standardized process ensures that every placement meets the safety, stability, and suitability standards established by the state.

Relevant Law: NH Rev Stat §170-B:18

Can you adopt without an agency?

Yes. Independent adoptions are legally permitted in New Hampshire and allow prospective adoptive parents to work directly with a birth mother outside the framework of a licensed adoption agency. This approach  is still subject to strict legal oversight under state law.

According to NH Rev Stat §170-B:4, any adult may file a petition to adopt a child, and the law does not require that the adoption be arranged through a licensed agency. This opens the door for private, attorney-facilitated placements—commonly known as independent adoptions.

However, the legal process for independent adoption must still satisfy all procedural, ethical, and safety standards required of agency adoptions. This includes:

• A comprehensive home study (pre-placement assessment) conducted by a licensed child-placing agency or a DHHS-approved provider, as required under NH Rev Stat §170-B:18.
• Criminal background checks and evaluations of the adoptive family's financial, emotional, and physical readiness.
• The filing of a formal adoption petition with the appropriate family court.
• Compliance with post-placement supervision and finalization procedures.

These requirements ensure that independent adoptions are held to the same high standards as agency-facilitated placements. The goal is to protect the best interests of the child and to ensure that all parties—birth parents, adoptive families, and the child—are fully informed, supported, and legally protected throughout the process.

Relevant Laws: NH Rev Stat §170-B:19–21

What are the steps to adopt a baby?

1. Determine that adoption is the right path for your family by thoughtfully evaluating the emotional, legal, and financial responsibilities it entails. This includes assessing your long-term readiness to meet a child's needs, understanding the legal process in New Hampshire, and preparing for the life changes adoption may bring.
2. Select a licensed adoption professional—either an agency or attorney—who is experienced in New Hampshire adoption procedures and can guide you through each step with legal accuracy, emotional sensitivity, and procedural efficiency. This professional will help ensure all filings, consents, and requirements meet state law and serve the child’s best interests.
3. Complete a thorough, state-approved home study that evaluates your home environment, personal background, financial preparedness, daily routines, support system, and overall readiness to provide a stable, nurturing, and permanent home for a child.
4. Develop a detailed adoptive family profile that highlights your values, lifestyle, and parenting philosophy. Participate in the matching process—typically guided by your adoption professional—to connect with a birth parent whose preferences and hopes for their child align with what your family offers.
5. File a formal adoption petition with the appropriate New Hampshire family court. This petition must include all required documentation—such as the completed home study, background checks, consent forms, and legal disclosures—and will be reviewed by a judge to ensure that all legal standards and procedural requirements have been met before the adoption can proceed to finalization.
6. Complete a post-placement supervision period of at least six months, during which a licensed professional assesses the child’s adjustment and the suitability of the placement, followed by a final court hearing where the adoption is legally finalized with an adoption decree.

Learn more about the adoption process, and how we can help you navigate it.

Can you adopt from another state?

Yes. Adoptive families in New Hampshire may adopt across state lines, but the process must comply with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)—a binding agreement among all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. The ICPC ensures that any child placed from one state to another meets the legal, procedural, and safety standards of both states involved.

In New Hampshire, the ICPC is codified in NH Rev Stat Chapter 170-A. Under §170-A:4, both the sending and receiving states must give written approval before a child can be transferred. If not followed, the placement is considered illegal under §170-A:5.

ICPC approval involves a review of the adoptive family’s home study, background checks, legal documents, and placement plans. New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) manages the ICPC process within the state.

Can we advertise for a birth mother?

Only licensed professionals—such as certified adoption agencies or licensed attorneys—are legally permitted to advertise adoption opportunities in New Hampshire. This restriction, governed by NH Rev Stat §170-B:27, is designed to ensure ethical practices in adoption outreach and prevent unregulated individuals or entities from influencing vulnerable birth parents through unauthorized or coercive tactics.

Advertising is closely tied to broader protections under New Hampshire adoption law, including the regulation of payments to birth parents. According to NH Rev Stat §170-B:13, adoptive parents may only provide reasonable, court-permitted financial support to birth mothers—such as medical bills, legal and counseling fees, certain living expenses, and transportation—but not payments intended as compensation for placing a child. These payments must be clearly documented, and gifts or offers of monetary gain are explicitly restricted to prevent undue influence.

Importantly, reimbursement from the birth mother is never required, even if she decides not to proceed with the adoption. Any contract attempting to require a birth parent to repay expenses if she withdraws her consent is considered void under state law (§170-B:13, II), reinforcing that her decision must remain voluntary and free from financial coercion.

By restricting advertising to licensed professionals and tightly regulating financial interactions, New Hampshire law aims to protect birth parents, adoptive families, and children from exploitation, misinformation, and unethical pressure. Unauthorized advertising or payment practices can result in legal penalties and court intervention, although such violations do not automatically invalidate an otherwise lawful adoption (§170-B:13, III).

Can a Birth Father Stop the Adoption?

Possibly. In New Hampshire, a birth father can stop or delay an adoption if he has taken the necessary legal steps to establish and protect his parental rights.

He must establish legal paternity, and show consistent efforts to take responsibility as a parent—such as providing support, staying involved, or pursuing legal custody. If he has not done these things, the court may waive his consent under §170-B:6, especially if he has been absent, failed to provide support, or is deemed unfit.

Ultimately, the court uses a "best interests of the child" standard (§170-B:7) to decide whether to honor or dismiss the father's claim. If recognizing his rights would disrupt the child’s stability or well-being, the court can allow the adoption to proceed without his consent.

Relevant Laws: NH Rev Stat §§170-B:5–7

What if the birth parents don’t sign?

The court may pursue involuntary termination of parental rights in cases where there is substantiated evidence of abandonment, chronic abuse, severe neglect, parental incapacity, or other legally recognized grounds that demonstrate a parent is unfit or that preserving the parent-child relationship would endanger the child’s well-being.

This legal process is governed by New Hampshire’s child protection statutes and is typically initiated when efforts at reunification have failed or when the child’s safety is at serious risk.

Termination proceedings must follow strict due process safeguards, including timely notification to the parent, a formal evidentiary hearing, and access to legal representation. The court’s decision must be supported by clear and convincing evidence and must affirmatively show that termination is in the best interests of the child.

Relevant Law: NH Rev Stat §169-C

When is adoption finalized?

Finalization in New Hampshire generally occurs after a minimum of six months of post-placement supervision. During this period, a licensed social worker or another qualified professional conducts regular in-home visits and evaluations to assess the child’s adaptation and the adoptive family’s ability to meet the child's ongoing physical, emotional, and developmental needs.

This supervisory period serves as a legal safeguard to ensure the placement remains stable, nurturing, and in the child's best interests. The social worker documents observations in a formal report, which is then submitted to the court for review.

Once all statutory requirements are met, the adoptive parents appear before a judge. At this hearing, the judge examines the case file and, if satisfied, grants the final adoption decree, conferring full and permanent parental rights.

Relevant Laws: NH Rev Stat §170-B:19–21

Can birth mothers change their mind?

Birth mothers in New Hampshire may revoke their consent to adoption at any time before the court formally approves it. This interim period—between signing the consent and its judicial validation—serves as a legal window for reconsideration without penalty. During this phase, the consent is not yet final and may be withdrawn for any reason.

Once the court approves the consent, however, it becomes final, legally binding, and irrevocable. From that point forward, revocation is permitted only under highly limited and exceptional circumstances—such as when the consent was obtained through fraud, coercion, duress, or if the birth mother lacked the mental capacity to understand the nature of her decision.

Any such challenge must be supported by compelling evidence and will be subject to rigorous judicial scrutiny.

Relevant Law: NH Rev Stat §170-B:11

Are adoptive parents on the birth certificate?

Yes. Once the adoption is finalized in New Hampshire, the state issues a new birth certificate that legally replaces the original. This amended certificate lists the adoptive parents as the child’s legal parents and allows for a legal name change if requested during finalization.

The original birth certificate is sealed by the state and becomes confidential, accessible only through a court order for compelling reasons.

This process ensures legal and emotional continuity by formally recognizing the adoptive parents as permanent, legal guardians. It also protects the privacy of all parties while preserving a legal record that may be accessed under limited statutory exceptions.

Relevant Law: NH Rev Stat §170-B:24

What rights do adoptive parents have?

Adoptive parents in New Hampshire are granted the same full legal rights and responsibilities as biological parents. These include decision-making authority over the child’s education, medical care, religious upbringing, daily routines, and long-term welfare. In addition to these rights, adoptive parents are legally obligated to provide financial support, access to healthcare, emotional nurturing, and a safe, stable living environment.

Adopted children also hold the same legal status as biological children in every respect. They are entitled to inheritance rights, eligibility for family-based benefits, and equal protection under both state and federal law. This legal parity reinforces the permanence of the adoptive relationship and ensures that adopted children are recognized, treated, and protected as full and equal members of their adoptive families—legally and practically.

Relevant Law: NH Rev Stat §170-B:20

Are open adoptions legally binding?

They can be. In New Hampshire, a Post-Adoption Contact Agreement (PACA) may be legally enforceable if it is approved by the court and found to be in the child’s best interests. These agreements often outline terms for communication, updates, photo exchanges, or in-person visits between birth and adoptive families.

Each PACA is evaluated individually, and court approval hinges on whether the arrangement supports the child’s emotional and developmental needs without compromising legal stability. While not enforceable by default, a court-approved PACA provides a structured, legally recognized framework for continued contact when deemed appropriate.

Relevant Law: NH Rev Stat §170-B:22

Does ICWA apply to private adoptions?

Yes. The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) applies to all adoptions involving Native American children—whether conducted privately, through an agency, or via the state’s child welfare system.

ICWA is a federal law that aims to preserve tribal families and culture by requiring adoptive proceedings to include notice to the child’s tribe, opportunities for tribal involvement, and compliance with placement preferences that prioritize the child’s extended family, tribe, or other Native American families whenever possible.

These protections ensure that tribal sovereignty and the cultural identity of the child are respected throughout the adoption process.

Relevant Law: 25 U.S.C. §1901 et seq.

What support is available after adoption?

Post-adoption services in New Hampshire are designed to help families thrive well beyond finalization. These supports include access to professional counseling, peer-led support groups, and non-identifying medical and genetic history from birth parents—resources that are often vital for emotional wellness and informed healthcare planning.

The state also provides targeted assistance for families adopting children with special needs. This may involve financial subsidies, help with accessing specialized educational services, and referrals to developmental or behavioral resources. Additionally, parenting workshops and training sessions offer education on attachment, trauma-informed care, and child development.

Follow-up visits conducted by licensed professionals ensure ongoing stability and offer families a chance to receive personalized guidance and address concerns as they arise. Taken together, these services create a structured support network that promotes resilience, builds confidence, and equips adoptive families for the lifelong experience of parenting through adoption.

Learn more about post-adoption support.

For Adoptees: Understanding Your Story

Adoptees in New Hampshire have important legal rights that can help them better understand their personal histories and identities. These rights include the ability to request a copy of their original birth certificate, access non-identifying medical or background information about their birth family, and, in certain cases, seek contact or reunification through appropriate channels.

These services can provide vital emotional clarity and support, particularly for adult adoptees who are exploring their background or hoping to reconnect with biological relatives. Access to information varies depending on the circumstances of the adoption and whether certain permissions have been granted by the birth parents or the court.

Requests for adoption records or background information can typically be made through the following avenues:

• New Hampshire Division of Vital Records
• The adoption agency or attorney who facilitated the adoption
• Court petition, in cases involving sealed records or reunification efforts

If you're an adoptee looking for answers, or a loved one assisting with that search, understanding your legal options is a powerful first step.

What’s Next?

Whether you're in the early stages of exploring adoption or preparing to take the next legal step, our experienced adoption specialists are here to offer support, answer your questions, and help you understand what comes next.

Taking the first step can feel overwhelming—but connecting with someone who knows the process can make it easier. 

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