IL HB4636

Expands the definition of "related" in child care law to include civil union relationships and stepgrandparents, and clarifies that second cousins are related if both are related to the same ancestor as either grandchild or great-grandchild.

Specifies that a child whose parent executed a consent, surrender, or waiver for adoption, signed a denial of paternity, or had parental rights terminated is not considered a related child unless the consent is void, the consent to a specified person is voided by court, or the termination order is vacated.

Amends the Adoption Act to add civil union as a basis for "related child" status and clarifies the definition of first and second cousins in adoption proceedings.

Adds definitions of "legal mother" and "legal father" based on various forms of legal recognition including marriage, civil union, birth, paternity establishment, and court orders.

Simplifies venue requirements for adoption proceedings to allow commencement in any county in the State, rather than limiting to specific counties based on residence or birth location.