A Sumerian Law Tablet (translated in "Law Collections from Mesopotamia and Asia Minor" by Martha Roth) contains three laws relating to adoption:
#4 - If he (the adopted son) declares to his father and mother, "You are not my father," or "You are not my mother," he shall forfeit house, field, orchard, slaves and possessions and they shall him for silver (into slavery) for his full value.
#5 - (If) his (adoptive) father and mother declare to him, "You are not our son," they shall forfeit... the estate.
#6 - If his (adoptive) father and mother declare [to him], "You are not our son," they shall forfeit [the estate].
Similar laws to these existed in later Mesopotamian "law codes" and provided protection to both the adoptive parents and to the adopted child.
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