2025 Delaware Code
Title 13 - Domestic Relations
Chapter 9. ADOPTION
Subchapter I. Minors
§ 913. Time for filing the adoption petition.
(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.
Code 1935, § 3551G; 48 Del. Laws, c. 134, § 3; 13 Del. C. 1953, § 913; 51 Del. Laws, c. 143, § 3; 59 Del. Laws, c. 466, § 8; 60 Del. Laws, c. 241, § 5; 64 Del. Laws, c. 108, § 10; 68 Del. Laws, c. 259, § 1; 73 Del. Laws, c. 171, § 2; 77 Del. Laws, c. 32, § 2;
