A Look at an Attorney's Role in Adoption

Last updated 11 months ago

If you’re thinking about adoption, you may be unsure how to begin the process. Before doing anything else, you should make an appointment to speak to an adoption attorney. An attorney will be able to assist you with the following concerns:

Choosing an adoption method.
There are many ways to adopt a child, such as using an adoption agency, pursuing a private adoption, or pursuing an overseas adoption. Each has its own drawbacks and advantages, and only an attorney can help you choose the right one for you. Once you have decided how you would like to adopt, your attorney will also help you contact people who can assist you.
Establish a financial agreement.
You will need to establish an agreement regarding the financial aspects of your adoption. Agencies usually require fees, and a private adoption may involve paying the costs of the mother’s prenatal care or otherwise compensating her. When agreeing to these financial aspects of the adoption, you need an experienced adoption attorney on your side.
Discuss termination of parental rights.
The birth mother’s parental rights will be terminated in order to transfer those rights to you. You may consider allowing her to visit the child, especially in case of a private adoption, but this is a decision that you should consider carefully. Be sure to note your choice in the adoption agreement. An attorney will help you draft an agreement that you and the birth mother are both comfortable with.
File legal documents with the court.
Your adoption must be made official through filing documents with the court to legally establish you as the child’s parents. Because these documents are so important, don’t try to take care of this yourself. An attorney will assist you to make sure everything is done correctly.

Before entering into an adoption agreement, contact a family law attorney to discuss the legalities of the arrangement. In the Norristown area, Fox and Fox Attorneys at Law can work with you to make the adoption process go as smoothly as possible. Dial (610) 275-7990 to reach our office.

Disclaimer:
The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.