Each state maintains its own adoption policies, so the process can vary considerably for families in different states. As a Hawaii resident, you’ll want to work with an adoption agency or adoption attorney who is very familiar with Hawaii adoption laws and policies. Below, you’ll find adoption agencies and adoption lawyers offering services to Hawaii families. Scroll past the listings to learn all about the legal guidelines for families adopting in Hawaii whether you’re adopting a newborn through domestic adoption, an infant or older child from U.S. foster care adoption, or a child through international adoption.

HAWAII ADOPTION LAWS & STATUTES

Who Can Adopt in Hawaii?

A single adult, a married husband and wife jointly, or the spouse of a legal parent of the child may adopt.

Can LGBT families adopt? Yes, same-sex couples can petition for joint adoption.

Domestic Adoption Laws in Hawaii

Can adoptive parents advertise for birth parents? No.

Can out-of-state residents finalize an adoption? Yes.

Can adopting parents use an adoption facilitator or another paid intermediary? Not addressed in state statutes.

What birth parent expenses may be paid, and in what time period? Medical, legal, counseling, living, lost wages. (No law; reasonable standards applied). Usually 2 mos. postpartum.

Is there a putative father registry? No.

When can consent to adoption be granted? In practice, after birth.

When does consent become irrevocable? If consent is revoked, is return to birth parent automatic? After signing, unless court finds it is in best interest of child to revoke consent.

Are post-adoption contact agreements legally enforceable? Not addressed in state statutes.

International Adoption Laws in Hawaii

Is a foreign adoption decree automatically recognized by the state? Yes, as long as court receives a sworn affidavit, proof that the foreign adoption decree is valid from the foreign country and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and a request from the adopting parents that a hearing take place.

Can parents readopt in this state? Is it mandatory? Not addressed in state statutes.

When will a U.S. birth certificate be issued? The Dept. of Health will issue a U.S. birth certificate after a Hawaiian court enters the final decree of adoption and upon receipt of a copy of the adoption decree, documentation from the Director of Social Services recommending the adoption, a report detailing the specifics of the adoption that is then approved by the Dept. of Health, as well as the probable place and date of birth of the child.

Adoption From Foster Care in Hawaii

Are adoption subsidies available? When do they start and how long do they last? Yes, adoption subsidies are available for a special needs child, who is defined as having one of the following that may be a barrier to placement: age, racial or ethnic background, member of a sibling group of two or more being placed together, has or is at high risk for developing a physical, mental, or emotional condition. In addition, the child must be in the custody of the State of Hawaii Dept. of Human Services. Subsidies begin at adoption placement.

Where can I learn more about the process of adopting a child from foster care in Hawaii? http://humanservices.hawaii.gov/ssd/home/child-welfare-services/foster-and-adoptive-care/

Hawaii Adoption Unit

Program Manager: Kathryn Boyer

DISCLAIMER: The state laws and policies outlined above are offered to readers only for general information and do not constitute legal advice. Furthermore, the state laws were accurate at the time of compilation, but Adoptive Families cannot guarantee that there have been no subsequent changes or revisions to the laws. Please do not rely on the information above without first consulting an adoption attorney licensed in your state. Updated in November 2014.