§ 48-3-502. Agency entitled to custody in placement by agency. - North Carolina Statutes

§48‑3‑502.  Agency entitled to custody in placement by agency.

(a)        Unless the courtorders otherwise, during a proceeding for adoption in which an agency placesthe adoptee with the petitioner:

(1)        The agency retainslegal but not physical custody of the adoptee until the adoption decree becomesfinal; but

(2)        The agency maydelegate to the petitioner responsibility for the care and support of theadoptee.

(b)        Before a decree ofadoption becomes final, the agency may for cause petition the court to dismissthe adoption proceeding and to restore full legal and physical custody of theminor to the agency; and the court may grant the petition on finding that it isin the best interest of the minor. (1995, c. 457, s. 2.)