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What do I need to do in court?

You will be asked questions to show that you understand what you’re doing and that your decision is voluntary. Most judges want you to state in your own words what termination means and why you have chosen to place your child for adoption.  It is the judge's responsibility to make sure you as the birth parent realize the finality of your decision to consent to the termination of your parental rights.  At the end of the hearing, the judge will make a decision on whether he/she will accept the consents and grant the petition to terminate parental rights. Your social worker and the attorney for AOW will talk with you ahead of time about what to expect.