[TallulahGA]

Could someone tell me how long the "Notice of Adoption" ad has to run in the legal section of the newspaper? After that has been submitted, what's next?

[Withay]

Are you meaning the one that tells the bio-parent (either birthmom or birthdad) that if they do not "appear" that their parental rights will be terminated so the child can be placed for adoption?

If so, at least in my area it has to run for approx. 3 - 4 weeks. It should state on the bottom of the publication how many weeks it has to run and what the start date was.

If the parent(s) does/do not "appear" within the timeframe then the local child welfare office will file with the courts for TPR (termination of parental rights). After that there will be a hearing where the rights are terminated. At that point the child will be legally free for adoption.

If the parent(s) does/do "appear" then they will have a chance to put forth their case as to why they should be allowed to work a caseplan or voluntarily relinquish.

"Appear"ing happens in different ways depending where you are. In my area it means that the parent(s) has/have to go to the courthouse and complete specific paperwork. If they don't, they will be considered to have not "appear"ed.

[TallulahGA]

The parental rights were terminated in March. We have been approved for adoption, now we are waiting for the go-ahead to have an attorney prepare the final process of adoption, which I am told includes a "Notification of Intent to Adopt" ad to be run in the legal notices of our local newspaper. I was wondering how long this has to run in the paper?

[Withay]

I don't know about that one. You may want to ask your cw about it. Good luck.