Section YAE.05.01 — Adoption - General Provisions.

(a) Petition - Who May File: Any person eighteen (18) years or older wishing to adopt a youth may file a petition with the Youth Court requesting that he or she be appointed as an adoptive parent. If the petitioner is married: his or her spouse must also be at least eighteen (18) years old and must sign the petition unless the spouse's whereabouts is unknown or unless this requirement is waived by the Court. "Spouse" for purposes here includes parties to a marriage recognized under tribal custom or parties to a relationship wherein the couple has resided together for seven (7) years or more and intend to reside together as a family.

(b) Petition - Contents: The adoption petition shall include:

(1) The name, date of birth, residence and tribal status of the Youth;

(2) The full name to be given to the child to be adopted;

(3) The name, age, place and duration of residence and the tribal status of the petitioner(s);

(4) The relation, if any, of the petitioner(s) to the youth;

(5) The names and addresses, if known, of all persons whose consent is required; and proof of consent, if given;

(6) A description of any previous civil proceedings involving the care or custody of the youth to be adopted and the results of these proceedings;

(7) The reasons the petitioner(s) desire(s) to adopt the youth.