Who May Adopt, Be Adopted, or Place a Child for Adoption - Northern Mariana Islands

Date: January 2020

Who May Adopt

Citation: Commonwealth Code Tit. 8, § 1403

Any adult resident who meets the following criteria may adopt:

  • Unmarried
  • Married to the legal parent
  • Husband and wife jointly
  • At least 10 years older than the child to be adopted

Who May Be Adopted

Citation: Commonwealth Code Tit. 8, § 1402

Any person under age 18 may be adopted.

The court may allow the adoption of persons over age 18 if in conformance with local custom but not for the purpose of evading the law.

Who May Place a Child for Adoption

Citation: Commonwealth Code Tit. 8, § 1404

A child may be placed by any of the following:

  • The mother
  • The legal father
  • Any person or agency having legal custody of the child