Domestic Relations Practice Area
Adoption
Unless an “open” adoption is agreed to by the parties, a decree of adoption terminates a parent/child relationship. Adoption records may only be reopened by order of the court or if authorized by law; otherwise, adoption records are closed, sealed, and confidential. Depending on the specific facts of your situation, consent to the adoption may be required by one or more of the following persons: the child, biological parent(s), or legal custodian.
M.W. Law, PLLC can assist you with any of the following types of adoption:
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Stepparent adoption;
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Familial adoption;
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Private adoption;
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Adult adoption;
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Single-parent adoption;
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State Agency Adoption; and
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Private Agency Adoption.
Who Can Adopt a Child?
If you are single, divorced, or married, you may be eligible to adopt a child. If you are married, you must have been married for a minimum of two years prior to filing a petition for adoption. Should you wish to adopt following a divorce action, you must wait at least one year prior to filing a petition for adoption. Depending on the specific child’s needs and additional familial considerations, certain exceptions may be available.
Do I Need to Submit to a “Home Study”?
If you are pursing a private or state agency adoption, you (and your family) may be required to submit to a home study. There may be a fee associated with the completion of a home study. An adoption specialist from the Department of Human Services will complete the home study. It may take six (6) to twelve (12) months for a home study to be completed. The adoption specialist will meet and interview both you and your family. Additionally, criminal background checks and medical evaluations will need to be completed for you and all members of your household. You may select your private physician to complete the medical evaluation. If you choose to adopt a child from a state agency, you may be able to qualify for a monthly adoption subsidy and/or tax federal credit.
Adopting a child is a life changing experience. If you are interested in adoption, please contact M.W. Law, PLLC to schedule an adoption consultation to discuss the options specifically available to you.