The process of adopting a child is quite tasking and time-consuming. It needs a lot of patience and professionalism. This burden can be reduced if you have a family law attorney.
(Adopting a stepchild is easier with this team on your side)
The adoption process involves the court as the main party; this means planning for adoption with a lawyer is necessary.
This article covers what you need to know about adoption using a lawyer.
What Are The Procedures Involved In Adoption?
- Hire A Lawyer.
You must hire a family law attorney who knows the process of adoption. Hiring a lawyer outside this field may lead to unexpected issues in the long run.
While doing this, make inquiries as regards expertise, work reviews, and rates.
- Communicate Your Needs To The Lawyer
The next step is communicating the type of adoption you intend to go for. Your lawyer can give professional advice and tip you on your need’s requirements.
- Apply For Adoption
At this point, you’ll need the help of your lawyer, getting a form from the Court and carefully filling it out.
Your application will be based on the type of adoption you’re going for.
An attorney will guide you through the process to avoid including clauses that are not necessary.
- Assessment Of Families Involved
All parties must be accessed by the court and other agencies in the state.
Your lawyer will request official documents from you, the adoptee, and the family involved.
Your lawyer will help construct a request to relevant agencies like the hospital and the police to retrieve relevant information.
Each state has different legal requirements for adoption. These requirements are factors like the age of the adopter, past and present financial records, criminal records, and marital status, among other documents.
- Transfer Of Parental Rights And Finalization
At this point, the child is meant to live with the new family for 10 weeks. This serves as a check before the final order from the court. Once the assessment is made, the court will issue an adoption certificate through your lawyer, replacing a birth certificate.
Going further, your lawyer must have communicated the fees for an adoption order. The entire process, from start to finish, can span between 6 months or a year, depending on your adoption type. Having a lawyer by your side will help reduce the duration and hasten court orders and investigations.
Note that the court is not the only agency involved in adoption.
Social Workers and a counselor are also involved in the process of assessment. They check for compatibility, personality make-up, and advice if necessary.
Financial institutions, like the bank, also come to provide financial records, and a financial analyst will give a guarantee for the child’s welfare.
Bottom Line
There is so much a lawyer can help you do in the adoption process. So while hiring one, do well to look out for someone who has good listening skills, empathy, and expertise.
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