26.33.370 - Permanent care and custody of a child -- Assumption, relinquishment, or transfer except by court order or statute, when prohibited -- Penalty. - Washington Statutes

Permanent care and custody of a child — Assumption, relinquishment, or transfer except by court order or statute, when prohibited — Penalty.

(1) Unless otherwise permitted by court order or statute, it is unlawful for any person, partnership, society, association, or corporation, except the parents, to assume the permanent care and custody of a child. Unless otherwise permitted by court order or statute, it is unlawful for any parent to relinquish or transfer to another person, partnership, society, association, or corporation the permanent care and custody of any child for adoption or any other purpose.

     (2) Any relinquishment or transfer in violation of this section shall be void.

     (3) Violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor.

[1984 c 155 § 36.]