If you have been considering adoption, you've probably found that there are a number of ways to approach it. You can work with an adoption agency to be paired with a birth mother, or you can connect with a birth mother on your own and conduct a private adoption. You may also be preparing to adopt the child of a friend or loved one who has given you custody. In all of these cases, the services of a family law professional who specializes in adoption can be invaluable. Here's a look at some of the reasons why you should always work with a lawyer to complete your adoption.
The Legal Process Can Be Confusing
There are many steps to the legal process for completing an adoption. You'll typically have to file for parental rights termination for the birth parents, as well as petitioning for the adoption itself. When it comes to the paperwork required by the courts for these proceedings, you need to be sure that they are complete, accurate, and filed properly.
While adoption agencies are in the business of adoption, they aren't always as well-versed in the legal proceedings or language. As a result, things can fall through the cracks if you're trying to do the job by yourself or trying to work just with the adoption agency themselves. Retaining the services of a family lawyer can help ensure that you have the legal expertise that you need to get the adoption done quickly and correctly.
You Will Have Someone Working In Your Best Interest
During most adoption proceedings, you'll have to complete a family interview and a home inspection. These processes can be stressful and intimidating. If you go through the interview and inspection by yourself, you won't necessarily know if the individual conducting the process is following the laws. If they don't, this can potentially cost you the adoption or leave you facing issues in court.
When you retain the services of a family lawyer to help you with the adoption, they can be present throughout the interview and the home inspection to ensure that the proper procedures are followed and to protect your legal rights along the way.
You Can Complete Private Adoptions More Easily
If you have already identified a birth parent on your own, retaining the services of a family lawyer may be essential to completing the adoption process easily and with minimal stress. In many cases, adoption agencies can connect you with a lawyer, but in the case of private adoption, there's no agency involved. Instead, the family lawyer will work through the process with you as well as the birth parents, ensuring that your adoption is legal and properly completed.
To learn more, reach out to a family lawyer in your area.