Blog
The 12-Month Rule in Illinois Adoption: When the Clock Starts on Intent to Forgo
Thu 19 Mar, 2026 / by Robert Parker / Adoption Law
Illinois’s 12-month rule permits termination of parental rights if a parent fails to support or visit the child for 12 consecutive months. This applies regardless of reasons, with limited exceptions for incarceration or military service. The law streamlines adoption by establishing a clear timeline for parental commitment. Home Blog The …
