When you are considering adopting a child, not much can quell your excitement for the big day when you can bring home your new child. Adoption has changed the lives of countless parents and children and is proclaimed as one of the best decisions that many families have made. The process of adopting a child is a long one, but the rewards are truly indescribable.
Before you jump headfirst into the process of adoption, it is important to note that the American adoption system is not easy to navigate by any means. You will have to jump through several hoops, spend countless hours filling out forms, and potentially even have to confront a failed adoption placement. It takes a great deal of soul searching and research to successfully adopt a child, and here are three big things you should know before beginning the process.
You Will Need a Variety of Paperwork
Whether you are filing for adoption, child support, or legal guardianship, you are going to need several different documents to prove to a social worker that you are fit for adopting a child. You will need all of your insurance documents, your marriage certificates, the death certificates of former spouses, and any divorce decrees. Your adoption lawyer may also recommend including additional documentation. This may seem like personal information that should be kept private, but it is crucial for the adoption process.
Open and Closed Adoptions are Very Different
While a closed adoption restricts the communication between the adopted child and their birth parents, open adoption with constant communication is not the best option for some parents. Open adoptions ensure that the adopted child can maintain contact with their birth parents via visits, letters and email. This openness can sometimes result in birth parents attempting to take control of a child’s parenting, so be sure to give it a lot of thought before pursuing open adoption.
It is Crucial to Consult a Professional on Adoption
In the United States, around 140,000 children are adopted every year. These successful cases of adoption are often accompanied by the presence of an adoption attorney or adoption lawyer. Having an adoption professional in your corner can not only improve your chances of getting adoption processes right the first time but can also relieve a lot of stress when it comes to the lengthy process of adopting a child. When you have somebody standing beside you every step of the way, you can be sure that you don’t miss any important legal details.
With an adoption lawyer, the right paperwork, and a genuine passion for parenthood, you are well on your way to adopting a new child into your family. If you are looking for adoption advice or an adoption attorney, give The Tipton Law Firm a call today.
