HB 4736

Abstract

Amends the Adoption Act. Where consents are required for the adoption of a minor child, requires the consent of the minor child's relatives in addition to the consents of the minor child's parents. Provides that the court shall deem the consent to be given upon a showing that each relative from who consent must be obtained has either given consent or has failed to file a petition for guardianship of the minor child within 30 days of receiving the written request for consent. Provides that if the mother or father of the minor child objects to the requirement that consent be obtained from the relatives of the minor child, the court may waive the requirement if, after a hearing for which all relatives are provided notice, the court finds that it is not in the best interests of the minor child to require consent from the relatives of the minor child. Makes corresponding changes.