Instructions For A Non-Expedited Relinquishment (Page 4 of 4) in pdf

Step 3:

Serve the Documents Identified in Step 1 only if both parents did not file as

Petitioner/Co-Petitioner.

It is important that you have the other parent served as quickly as possible. Service options:

Personal Service:



Select the Sheriff’s Department, a private process server, or someone you know over the age of 18 who is

not involved in the case, and who knows the rules of service to serve the Respondent.



Provide the process server with the Petition and other documents.



The process server will need to return the completed return of service to the Court for filing, or return it to

you to bring and file with the Court.

Service by Mail or Publication:

If you do not know where the other parent is or who the other parent is, you will need to use this method of

service and should file these forms with the Court as soon as possible. You must make diligent efforts to locate

the other parent before selecting this option for service.



Affidavit of Diligent Efforts for Relinquishment (JDF 484).



Complete all sections and please do not alter this form as the Court must have complete information

regarding efforts made to locate the other parent.



Identify in your own words, stating the last known address and/or any efforts made to contact or locate

the other birth parent. Keep return receipts, registered mail slips, and any returned mail you might

have. This documentation should be attached to your Affidavit.



Motion for Publication of Notice (JDF 485).



Complete all sections on this form.



Order for Publication of Relinquishment (JDF 487).



Complete caption only on this form.



Provide pre-addressed stamped envelopes for you and the other parent at his/her last known address.

Note: Once you receive the Order for Publication, it is your responsibility to provide the appropriate newspaper

agency with a copy of the Order of Publication and the Notice to Terminate Parent-Child Legal Relationship.

Service by publication will be in a newspaper published in the county where the action is filed or as ordered by

the Court. You are responsible for all publication costs.

Once publication of the Notice to Terminate has been completed, the newspaper agency will provide you with a

clipping of the publication along with an Affidavit of Publication. It is your responsibility to provide this

information to the Court. This proof is necessary for the relinquishment hearing to proceed.

Step 4:

Be prepared for your Relinquishment Hearing.

Submit the following forms to the Clerk prior to the hearing, unless submitted to the Court at the time of filing. The

documents will be signed at the end of the hearing.



Final Order of Relinquishment (JDF 488).



Complete caption only on this form.

JDF 489

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Page 4 of 4

Instructions For A Non-Expedited Relinquishment Page 4

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