Illinois Adoption Law
Who May Adopt
Statute: §§ 127.020; 127.030- An adult person at least 10 years older than the adoptee
- Adults who are married must adopt jointly.
Who May Be Adopted
Statute: §§ 127.020; 127.190- A minor child at least 10 years younger than the adoptive parent
Who May Place a Child for Adoption
Statute: §§ 127.040; 127.050- The child's parent(s)
- The child's guardian
- An agency that provides child welfare services
- A licensed child-placing agency
Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)
Who is Required to Consent to an Adoption
Statute: § 127.040- Both parents; if both are living
- Only one parent, if the other is deceased
- The child's guardian appointed by the court
Age When Consent of Adoptee is Considered or Required
Statute: § 127.020
- A child 14 years of age or older must consent to the adoption.
When Parental Consent is not Required
Statute: §§ 127.090; 127.040- A court order has terminated the parental rights.
- A parent has been declared insane for 2 years, and there is evidence that the insanity is incurable.
The official statute from the State of Illinois on adoption law.
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