(a) Testimony.--The court shall hear testimony in support of the petition and such additional testimony as it deems necessary to inform it as to the desirability of the proposed adoption. It shall require a disclosure of all moneys and consideration paid or to be paid to any person or institution in connection with the adoption.
(b) Investigation.--The court may request that an investigation be made by a person or public agency or, with its consent, a voluntary agency, specifically designated by the court to verify the statements of the petition and such other facts that will give the court full knowledge of the desirability of the proposed adoption, or the court may rely in whole or in part upon a report earlier made under section 2535 (relating to investigation). In any case, the age, sex, health, social and economic status or racial, ethnic or religious background of the child or adopting parents shall not preclude an adoption but the court shall decide its desirability on the basis of the physical, mental and emotional needs and welfare of the child.
(c) Payment of investigation costs.--The court may establish a procedure for the payment of investigation costs by the petitioners or by such other persons as the court may direct.
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption
Section 2701 - Contents of petition for adoption
Section 2711 - Consents necessary to adoption
Section 2712 - Consents not naming adopting parents
Section 2713 - When other consents not required
Section 2714 - When consent of parent not required
Section 2721 - Notice of hearing
Section 2722 - Place of hearing
Section 2723 - Attendance at hearing
Section 2724 - Testimony and investigation
Section 2725 - Religious belief
Section 2731 - Purpose of subchapter
Section 2733 - Parties to agreement
Section 2734 - Consent of a child
Section 2735 - Filing and approval of an agreement
Section 2736 - Failure to comply
Section 2737 - Modification of agreement
Section 2738 - Enforcement of agreement