Adoption Law in Delaware

This page covers adoption law as it applies in Delaware — the state and federal laws that govern it, filing deadlines, where to get help, and notable in-state decisions. For what adoption protects generally, see the national overview.

Compiled from primary legal sourcesNot legal adviceHow we source this

Laws that govern adoption in Delaware

Delaware state law

Browse all of Delaware’s statutes →

Federal law

Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978
Governs the removal and placement of Native American children in foster or adoptive homes. Recently upheld in Haaland v. Brackeen (2023). Codified at 25 U.S.C. ch. 21.

Where to go & how to get help

Government agencies and non-profit legal-help organizations for adoption in Delaware.

USA.gov — Find legal aid and free legal serviceslegal aid
Official U.S. government starting point for finding free or low-cost legal help and legal-aid programs near you.
Legal Services Corporation — Get legal helplegal aid
Locate the LSC-funded legal-aid organization that serves your county for civil (non-criminal) legal problems.
American Bar Association — Free Legal Help & Lawyer Referralbar referral
Find your state or local bar association lawyer-referral service and free legal-answer programs.
USA.gov — State attorney generalagency
Find your state attorney general to file consumer-protection, civil-rights, or other complaints.

Not legal advice. State-specific statutes, deadlines and procedures are being sourced and will appear here.