How are birth-parents' rights post-adoption treated in New York?

• A. Enforceable only if incorporated into a written order and in the best interests of the child
• B. Automatically enforceable without court involvement
• C. Not enforceable under any circumstances
• D. Enforceable only if both birth parents consent

Answer: (A)

In New York, after an adoption is finalized, the birth parents’ rights are generally terminated, and any ongoing contact or rights must be created and protected by a court order or a written agreement approved by the court. Such post-adoption arrangements are enforceable only when they are incorporated into a written order and are framed to serve the child’s best interests. Without being included in a court-approved order, these arrangements aren’t automatically enforceable. Consents alone don’t create a binding enforceable obligation unless the court has approved them in a final order or enforceable written agreement.