York Cnty. C.P. Local Rules of Orphans' Court Procedure Rule 15.13.1

(b) (4) Adult Household Member Clearances. Criminal history records information and

child abuse clearance certificates, completed within one (1) year of the filing the petition,

are required for each individual over the age of eighteen (18) who resides in the

household of petitioners.

(9) Report of Adoption. At the time of the final hearing, petitioner shall verify that the

clerk is in possession of all vital records information required to amend the original

birth record.

Comment

Petitioner shall ensure that the Orphans’ Court Clerk has all information necessary

to complete Form H 105.091 – Report of Adoption to the PA Department of Health

or its equivalent for the state or territory where the original certificate of birth was

issued.

(d) Investigation. Upon receipt of petition for adoption the Court may appoint an

investigator to verify the statements of the petition and desire ability of the proposed

adoption. The cost of the investigation shall be at the rate set by the Court and shall be

borne by the petitioners.

(f) Adult Adoption/Change of Name.

(1) Notice by Publication. If a person to be notified is not represented by legal

counsel, cannot be personally served with notice, and cannot be served by mail

because his or her residence is not known, a separate petition seeking authority to

provide notice by publication may be filed by the prospective adoptive parent(s).

Facts supporting the petition that cannot be verified by the petitioner(s) shall be

stated in an affidavit accompanying the petition. If the petition is granted, notice by

publication shall comply with 54 Pa. C.S. § 701(a.1)(3)(ii)(A) and be given at least

20 days prior to the scheduled hearing in one (1) newspapers of general circulation

published at or near the last known address of the person to be notified and also in

the legal periodical, if any, in that county.

In any adoption for an adult requesting a name change, an application for change of

name in conformity with 54 Pa. C.S § 701(a.1) (2) shall be attached to the petition

for adoption along with a fingerprint card completed by the adult adoptee. The

application for change of name shall be filed with the Clerk of Orphans' Court and

does not have to comply with the requirements in York R.C.P. 205.2 as stated in

York R.C.P. 5730 (a).

(2) Evidence of Notice. Petitioners shall comply with the requirements in York

R.C.P. 5730(b) and (c) (1).