Adoption Law Firms
Adoption takes place under a number of circumstances, but whether you are adopting from a stranger or adopting a child who is already part of your family, the end goal is the same. Adoption gives the adoptive parent or parents the full legal rights that biological parents normally have so that they can fully and effectively act as parents to the adoptive child. The adoption process can be very complicated, and an experienced adoption attorney can help you through it. The adoption law firms listed in this directory are here for you.
Open or Closed Adoption
Closed adoption used to be standard, but it has become rare in the U.S. In a closed adoption there is no contact between the adoptive parents and birth parents, and they typically do not know each other’s identities. The adoptive parents may be given some basic, non-identifying information about the birth parents. The child may be able to learn more about their birth parents after turning 18.
Today, open adoption is standard. The birth parents and adoptive parents meet. In some cases, they stay in communication throughout the child’s life. Birth parents may even choose the adoptive parents. There are benefits and drawbacks to open adoption, but it is generally considered best for everyone involved, especially the child.
Home Study
The home study is the part of the adoption process that causes the most anxiety for the majority of prospective adoptive parents. It is the evaluation of you and your life used to determine if you, your family and your home are appropriate for an adoptive child. It can also involve educational programs for you and your family. Each state has different requirements for the home study process, and it can take months to complete.
As you have probably guessed, it involves a home visit to make sure that your home is a safe environment. There are also interviews, background checks, health statement and income statements. The home study is conducted by a social worker and the report includes information on the following:
- Family background, including information about your childhood
- Education
- Career
- For couples – the relationship and how you interact
- For singles – your social life and network of friends and relatives
- Support systems
- Experiences with children – yours or other people’s
- Religion or belief system, if any
- Daily life
- Neighborhood
- Why you want to adopt and if you feel ready
To learn more about adoption, please search this directory for an excellent adoption law firm in your area.