DMR.1.8.050 Hearing on the Petition; Order

(a) Upon receipt of a petition, the Clerk of Court shall set a date for hearing no more than 120 days from the filing of the petition.

(b) At the hearing, the presence of the petitioners and the child, if the child is twelve (12) years of age or older, shall be required unless the court orders otherwise. The Children's Court shall determine from the Child Welfare Director or the Assistant Child Welfare Director's report and any evidence presented by the petitioners or other parties whether the petitioners are suitable adoptive parents. The Court may question the child concerning his feelings about the adoption, and ascertain if the child's consent, when required, is voluntary. If the Court determines that granting the petition is in the child's best interest, it shall so order.