As used in Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 59-2111 through 59-2143, and amendments thereto:

(a) “Adult adoption” means the adoption of an individual who has attained the age of majority;

(b) “agency adoption” means the adoption of a minor child where an agency has the authority to consent to the adoption;

(c) “independent adoption” means the adoption of a minor child where the child’s parent or parents, legal guardian or nonagency person in loco parentis has the authority to consent to the adoption, but does not include a stepparent adoption;

(d) “stepparent adoption” means the adoption of a minor child by the spouse of a parent with the consent of that parent;

(e) “residence of a child” and “place where a child resides” means the residence of any parent;

(f) “agency” means any public or private entity organized pursuant to Kansas law, or organized pursuant to the laws of the jurisdiction where located, having for its purpose the care and maintenance of children, being authorized to place children for adoption, consent to the adoption and to stand in loco parentis to such children until they are adopted or reach majority;

(g) “person in loco parentis” means an individual or organization vested with the right to consent to the adoption of a child pursuant to relinquishment or an order or judgment by a district court of competent jurisdiction;

(h) “party in interest” means:

(1) A parent whose parental rights have not been terminated;

(2) a prospective adoptive parent;

(3) an adoptive parent;

(4) a legal guardian of a child;

(5) an agency having authority to consent to the adoption of a child;

(6) the child sought to be adopted, if over 14 years of age and of sound intellect; or

(7) an adult adoptee; and

(i) “professional” means any person who receives payment or compensation, but not solely reimbursement for expenses, for providing services related to the placement of children for adoption.