Adoption creates a permanent legal parent-child relationship. Whether you are a stepparent, a relative raising a child, a family working with an agency or birth parents, the process involves consents or termination of parental rights, home studies, interstate compact approval and a final hearing. An adoption lawyer makes sure every step is done so the adoption can never be challenged.
What a adoption lawyer does
- Advises on the right type of adoption and eligibility
- Obtains valid consents or terminates parental rights of an absent parent
- Coordinates home studies, background checks and ICPC approval
- Finalizes the adoption and amends the birth certificate
When you need a adoption lawyer
- You want to adopt your stepchild or a grandchild
- A birth parent will not consent or cannot be found
- The child is coming from another state or country
- You are a birth parent considering placement
Questions to ask before you hire a adoption lawyer
- Can the absent parent’s rights be terminated, and on what grounds?
- What are the total costs, including home study and court fees?
- How long does finalization take in this county?
- Will the adoption be recognized if we move or travel abroad?
Find a adoption lawyer near you
Choose your state to see listed firms and the official bar directory for verifying any lawyer’s license.
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