§ 913. Time for filing the adoption petition.
151 words·~1 min read·
/de/title-13/chapter-9-adoption/subchapter-i-minors/913·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
(a)A petition for adoption may be filed when the requirements of § 904 of this title have been met, the child is legally free for adoption, and the adoptive placement of the child has been supervised for a period of 6 months by the Department or licensed agency.
(b)In the case of a child to be adopted by a stepparent, guardian, permanent guardian or a blood relative, the petition for adoption shall be filed only after the child has resided in the home of the petitioner for at least 1 year; except that, on recommendation of the Department or licensed agency, a petition may be filed after 6 month’s continuous residence of the child in the petitioner’s home. In the case of adoption by a stepparent, guardian, permanent guardian or blood relative, it is not necessary that the child be legally free prior to the filing of the petition.