Chest. Cnty. Ct. Comm. Plea. R. 15.2

As amended through February 1, 2024
Rule 15.2 - Voluntary Relinquishment to Agency
(a) Petition. - A petition under Section 301 of the Adoption Act to relinquish parental rights and duties with respect to a child who has been in the care of an Agency shall include the following allegations:
(1) the name, address, age, racial background and religious affiliation of each petitioner;
(2) the information required in subparagraph (1) as to any parent who is not a petitioner, including the father of a child born out of wedlock, if he has been identified, unless the court, for cause shown, determines such information is not essential;
(3) the marital status of the mother as of the time of birth of the child and during one year prior thereto and, if the mother has ever been married, the name of her husband or husbands and her maiden name;
(4) the name, age, date of birth, racial background, sex and religious affiliation of the child;
(5) the name and address of the Agency having care of the child;
(6) the date when the child was placed with the Agency;
(7) when the child is born out of wedlock, whether the mother and the father of the child intend to marry;
(8) the reasons for seeking relinquishment;
(9) that each petitioner understands the petition, has considered the alternatives, and has executed the petition voluntarily to promote what the petitioner believes to be in petitioner's and the child's best interests.
(b) Exhibits - The petition shall have attached to it the following exhibits:
(1) the joinder of a parent who is not a petitioner or his or her waiver of all interest in the child, if either is obtainable;
(2) a birth certificate or certification of registration of birth of the child;
(3) the written consent of a parent or guardian of a petitioner who has not, reached 18 years of age;
(4) the joinder of the Agency having care of the child and its consent to accept custody of the child until such time as the child is adopted.
(c) Notice and Hearing - If a parent, including the parent of a child born out of wedlock, has not relinquished his or her rights and duties in and to the child or joined in the other parent's petition hereunder, then notice of the hearing on the petition to relinquish rights and duties shall be given to the first referred to parent as provided in Rule 15.6. A parent may waive in writing the right to such notice. Each petitioner and each person whose joinder or consent is attached to the petition shall be examined under oath at the hearing unless excused by the court.

Chest. Cnty. Ct. Comm. Plea. R. 15.2