N.Y. Domestic Relations Law Section 115-E
Effect of death of potential adoptive parent

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, when a petition for adoption by two persons has been duly filed, and one of the petitioners dies before the adoption is complete, it shall be treated as a change of circumstance. This change may be reviewed to assure that the adoption is in the best interest of the child. The death of one of the adoptive parents shall not, by itself, invalidate a certification nor shall the death of one of the adoptive parents cause a new petition for adoption to be filed. The deceased adoptive parent shall be considered one of the legal parents, unless the surviving adoptive parent requests otherwise.

Source: Section 115-E — Effect of death of potential adoptive parent, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/DOM/115-E (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Nov. 29, 2025).

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Verified:
Nov. 29, 2025

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 115-E. Effect of death of potential adoptive parent's source at nysenate​.gov

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