Adoption proceedings fall under which jurisdictions and what is promoted by court?

• A. Family court concurrent with surrogate's court; best interests of the child
• B. Only family court
• C. Only surrogate's court
• D. Adoption records are always public

Answer: (A)

Adoption is treated as a child-welfare matter, so the court’s paramount duty is the child’s best interests. In New York, adoption proceedings can be brought in more than one court—Family Court and Surrogate’s Court—so the two can have concurrent jurisdiction depending on the circumstances. The court asks whether the adoption will provide a stable, safe, and loving home and whether the involved birth parents’ rights are properly addressed, with the ultimate goal of promoting the child’s welfare over other interests. Adoption orders are granted only if the court is convinced the arrangement serves the child’s best interests.

Adoption records, by contrast, are not publicly accessible; they’re typically sealed, which is why the statement that adoption records are always public is not correct.