Bohm Wildish: Family Law, Adoption
According to census information, about 120,000 children are adopted in the United States each year. It is estimated that between six and ten million citizens are adopted; half are typically “stranger adoptions,” in which the child is adopted by people who are not related. The other half is adopted by family members, primarily stepparents. Just as individual cases vary greatly, so too do laws from state to state. What do you need to know about adoption law?
That, of course, depends on what aspect of adoption you are looking at. Are you seeking to adopt a child? Do you want to pursue international adoption? Do you want to relinquish your parental rights and give up a child for adoption? Do you want to adopt a stepchild? All of these situations are governed by their own set of laws, which makes having a qualified family or adoption lawyer especially important.
Do you need an adoption lawyer? Many states require that an attorney be involved before an adoption is finalized, so it is necessary for a legal and binding adoption. Many people consult a lawyer about the adoption law or how to locate a baby or child for adoption. Other times, adoption cases are contentious, and a lawyer is needed to present your case to the family court and state why you are the best guardian for the child.
In addition to having a lawyer, it is important to have an understanding of adoption law. This makes the process a bit less intimidating, and it helps you prepare to present your case effectively. Here are some resources that can help:
Life123. This site has information on different types of adoption, as well as links to other resources which all parties may find useful.
Laws.Adoption. This site can link you to the specific adoption laws for your state. It also has extensive information on federal adoption statutes, as well as a discussion forum.
Childwelfare.gov. A very informative site, Childwelfare.gov provides a primer on adoption law. What do you need to know about home studies? How do you engage in the placement process? What legal documents do you need to complete and file? In addition, this site links to reliable, reputable sources for further information on specific topics, including parenting after adoption, making adoption affordable, special circumstances adoptions.
Adoptionguide.com. This site provides information on subjects like the cost of adoption, financing adoption, international adoption, and more.
Finding a qualified attorney who specializes in adoption and family law is essential. Here are some questions to ask prospective attorneys:
- How many adoption cases have you handled?
- What types of adoptions have you handled? Stranger adoptions? Stepparent? Relative adoptions? Abandonment cases? Parents giving up children for adoption? International adoption?
- What is the average cost of adoption cases you have handled?
- What specific services do you provide?
- How does the process work?
- What if the adoption falls through?
A qualified family law attorney can help you with adoption, custody, support, divorce, restraining orders, alimony, and other cases. With issues as complex and intimidating as adoption law, it is worth investing in a qualified attorney.
— Comments:
01/29/2012 Thank you for this Aaron. I have linked to this article from my blog Hurley Law Office.
Best Regards, William J. Hurley