New Mexico Statutes 32A-28-34. Adjudication; disposition; decree of adoption;
invalidation.
Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 32A-28-34
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Fraud: Intentional deception resulting in injury to another.
A. The court shall grant a decree of adoption if it finds that:
(1) the petitioner has proved by clear and convincing evidence that the placement preferences set forth in the Indian Family Protection Act, or the placement preferences established by the Indian child’s tribe, have been followed or, if not followed, good cause for noncompliance has been proved by clear and convincing evidence; and
(2) provision has been made to ensure that the Indian child’s cultural ties to the Indian child’s tribe are protected and fostered.
B. In any adoption involving an Indian child, the clerk of the court shall provide the secretary with a copy of the final decree of adoption or adoptive placement order.
C. A parent may withdraw consent to a voluntary adoption of the Indian child at any time before entry of the final decree of adoption.
D. Within two years after a final decree of adoption of an Indian child, the court may invalidate a voluntary adoption upon finding that the parent’s consent was obtained by fraud or duress.
E. Upon filing of a petition to vacate the final decree of adoption of the parent’s Indian child, the petitioner shall give notice to all parties to the adoption proceedings and the Indian child’s tribe, and the court shall hold a hearing on the petition.
F. Where the court finds that the parent’s consent was obtained through fraud or duress, the court shall vacate the final decree of adoption, order the consent revoked and order that the child be returned to the parent.