N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 109: Definitions

§ 109. Definitions. When used in this article, unless the context or

subject matter manifestly requires a different interpretation:

1. "Adoptive parent" or "adoptor" shall mean a person adopting and

"adoptive child" or "adoptee" shall mean a person adopted.

2. "Judge" shall mean a judge of the family court of any county in the

state.

3. "Surrogate" shall mean the surrogate of any county in the state and

any other judicial officer while acting in the capacity of surrogate.

4. "Authorized agency" shall mean an authorized agency as defined in

the social services law and, for the purpose of this article, shall

include such corporations incorporated or organized under the laws of

this state as may be specifically authorized by their certificates of

incorporation to receive children for purposes of adoption.

5. "Private-placement adoption" shall mean any adoption other than

that of a minor who has been placed for adoption by an authorized

agency.

6. "Lawful custody" shall mean a custody (a) specifically authorized

by statute or (b) pursuant to judgment, decree or order of a court or

(c) otherwise authorized by law.

7. "A child who has been surrendered to an authorized agency for the

purpose of adoption" shall mean a child who has been surrendered to such

an agency pursuant to the provisions of section three hundred

eighty-three-c or three hundred eighty-four of the social services law.