Rule 9.310.Presentation of Adoption Judgments
Current through August 1, 2026 · Last verified September 12, 2026
Full Text of Rule 9.310
Plain-English Summary
Not every step in an adoption calls for a trip to the courthouse. This rule says proposed adoption judgments may be presented to the court without the necessity of a personal appearance by the attorney or the adoptive parents.
The rule is permissive. It removes a requirement rather than imposing one, so presenting the judgment in person stays available where the court or the family prefers it.
What the rule does is keep logistics from becoming the obstacle. Where distance, work, or scheduling makes an appearance hard, the proposed judgment can reach the judge without one. Local filing practice still governs how the document is submitted; the rule addresses the appearance, not the mechanics of filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we have to appear in court for the adoption judgment?
Not for it to be presented. The rule says a proposed adoption judgment may be presented to the court without the necessity of a personal appearance by the attorney or the adoptive parents.
Can we still appear if we want to?
Yes. The rule permits presentation without an appearance; it does not prohibit one.
Who does the rule excuse from appearing?
The attorney and the adoptive parents. Those are the people the rule names when it removes the requirement of a personal appearance.
Does the rule cover other filings in the adoption case?
No. It speaks to proposed adoption judgments. Other documents in the case follow whatever requirements apply to them.
Does presenting the judgment mean the court will sign it?
No. The rule addresses how the proposed judgment reaches the court, not whether the court grants it. The judge still reviews the adoption and decides.