Download California Ad 9 Form

1. What is the purpose of the California AD 9 form?

   The California AD 9 form is an Independent Adoption Questionnaire used to collect essential information from prospective adoptive parents. This form helps the California Department of Social Services assess the suitability of individuals wishing to adopt a child. It gathers details about personal backgrounds, family history, and any potential legal issues.

2. Who needs to fill out the AD 9 form?

   Both petitioners in the adoption process must complete the AD 9 form. This means that if you and your partner are adopting, each of you will need to provide your information individually. This ensures that all relevant details about both parties are considered.

3. What information is required on the AD 9 form?

   The form requires various personal details, including:

   • Names and contact information
   • Demographic information such as gender, ethnicity, and religion
   • Employment history and financial information
   • Criminal history and any previous allegations of child neglect or domestic violence
   • Details about any former marriages or domestic partnerships
   • Information about children from previous relationships

4. How long do I have to submit the AD 9 form?

   Petitioners are typically required to return the completed AD 9 form within one week of receiving it. Timely submission is crucial to keep the adoption process moving smoothly.

5. What should I do if I do not have all the information requested?

   If certain information is unavailable, you should fill in the section with “NA” or “Unknown.” It is important to provide as much information as possible, but do not hesitate to indicate when something does not apply or is not known.

6. Is there a fee associated with submitting the AD 9 form?

   There is no fee specifically associated with the submission of the AD 9 form itself. However, other costs may arise during the overall adoption process, so it’s wise to be prepared for those potential expenses.

7. What happens after I submit the AD 9 form?

   Once submitted, the form will be reviewed by the appropriate authorities. They may reach out for additional information or clarification. Following the review, further steps in the adoption process will be communicated to you.

8. Can I update the information on the AD 9 form after submission?

   If there are significant changes to your situation after you have submitted the form, it is important to inform the adoption agency or department handling your case. They can guide you on how to update your information appropriately.

9. What if I have questions while filling out the AD 9 form?

   If you have questions while completing the form, you should reach out to the California Department of Social Services or your adoption agency. They can provide guidance and clarify any uncertainties you may have about the form or the adoption process.

10. Where can I find the AD 9 form?

    The AD 9 form can typically be obtained from the California Department of Social Services website or directly from your local county adoption agency. It is important to ensure you are using the most current version of the form.

When filling out the California Ad 9 form, consider the following important do's and don'ts to ensure accuracy and completeness.

• Do read the instructions carefully before starting the form.
• Do provide accurate and up-to-date information for all required fields.
• Do use “NA” or “Unknown” where applicable to avoid leaving blanks.
• Do double-check your answers for any potential errors or omissions.
• Do submit the completed form within the specified one-week timeframe.
• Don't skip questions, even if they seem irrelevant; each question is important.
• Don't provide false information, as it may lead to serious consequences.
• Don't forget to sign and date the form before submission.
• Don't rush through the form; take your time to ensure thoroughness.
• Don't hesitate to ask for assistance if you have questions about any section.

Here are eight common misconceptions about the California AD 9 form, along with clarifications for each:

• It is only for married couples. The AD 9 form can be completed by any individuals seeking to adopt, regardless of marital status.
• All questions must be answered in detail. If a question does not apply to you, writing “NA” or “Unknown” is acceptable.
• Submitting the form is optional. Completing and submitting the AD 9 form is a required step in the adoption process.
• Only the primary petitioner needs to fill it out. Both petitioners must complete their own AD 9 form, providing individual information.
• Criminal history disqualifies you from adopting. Each case is evaluated individually. A criminal history may not automatically disqualify a petitioner.
• Once submitted, you cannot make changes. If you need to update any information after submission, you can contact the adoption agency for guidance.
• The form is only for local adoptions. The AD 9 form is used for independent adoptions throughout California, not limited to local jurisdictions.
• It is a lengthy and complicated process. While the form requires detailed information, completing it can be straightforward with careful attention.

The California AD 9 form is an essential document for those pursuing independent adoption. It gathers vital information about the petitioners, including personal details, family history, and any relevant legal issues. Along with the AD 9, several other forms and documents are commonly required to ensure a comprehensive review of the adoption case. Below is a list of these documents, along with a brief description of each.

• Adoption Questionnaire I (AD 4324): This form is filled out individually by each petitioner. It collects detailed information about the petitioners’ backgrounds, including their family histories, financial situations, and any prior experiences with children. This information helps assess the suitability of the petitioners for adoption.
• Home Study Report: Conducted by a licensed social worker, this report evaluates the home environment of the petitioners. It assesses the safety and suitability of the living conditions for the child. The home study also includes interviews and background checks to ensure the well-being of the prospective adoptive child.
• Consent to Adoption: This document is signed by the biological parents or legal guardians of the child being adopted. It confirms their agreement to the adoption and relinquishes their parental rights. This consent is crucial for the legal process to proceed smoothly.
• Criminal Background Check: This document verifies that the petitioners have undergone a criminal background check. It is a standard requirement to ensure that the individuals seeking to adopt do not have a history that could endanger the child. The results are typically submitted to the court as part of the adoption application.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in the adoption process, ensuring that all necessary information is collected and assessed. Being well-prepared with these forms can help streamline the adoption journey and contribute to a successful outcome.