The Role Adoption Attorneys Play in Your Journey
Adoption attorneys are essential professionals needed to complete your adoption safely and legally.
- Adoption attorneys are well-versed in state adoption laws.
- There are important legal steps in the adoption process.
- You can get free legal representation from an experienced adoption attorney when working with the right adoption agency.
It’s important to note that you can always get information on adoption attorneys and why you need them by filling out our online form to connect with a professional today.
For now, this article will explore the role of an adoption attorney and why they are crucial to the adoption process.
What is an Adoption Attorney?
An adoption attorney is a legal professional that specializes in helping you place your child for adoption legally.
Adoption laws vary from state to state, which means it’s crucial that you work with an adoption lawyer capable of navigating your state laws to ensure your adoption is completely legal.
The question many prospective birth mothers ask is, “How do I choose an adoption lawyer?”
First, let’s explore adoption attorneys when choosing to place your child for adoption through an agency.
Adoption Attorneys When Working with an Agency
Because adoption agencies offer many in-house services, you get connected with an experienced adoption attorney that handles every legal aspect of your adoption journey.
For the most part, your adoption attorney will work in the background to help ensure the proper legal steps are taken based on your state’s adoption laws.
They will also help you complete all of the required paperwork to make your adoption legal, which is then filed and presented for review by a judge at the finalization hearing.
One of the many benefits of working with an adoption agency is that you never have to worry about seeking legal representation.
Additionally, by working with an adoption agency, your legal fees are fully covered at no cost to you.
What about adoption lawyers in an independent adoption?
The Pros and Cons of Adoption Lawyers in an Independent Adoption
Independent adoption is when a birth mother chooses to place a child without the support and services from an adoption agency. In many cases, this route is chosen because a birth mother has a pre-existing relationship with the adoptive family, or is trying to avoid agency fees.
It’s important to note that the best adoption agencies never require a birth mother to pay fees. Putting a child up for adoption is always free.
Suppose you are considering an independent adoption to avoid the adoptive family paying fees. In that case, you need to know that independent adoption still requires adoptive families to use an attorney, complete a home study and commit to other expenses.
That means finding individual professionals to handle each aspect of the adoption process. Ultimately, an adoptive family could pay as much or more for adoption than working with a trusted and experienced agency.
As it relates to an adoption attorney in an independent adoption, let’s explore the pros and cons.
The Pros
- The adoption lawyer you hire will always ensure your legal rights are protected, even in an independent adoption.
- An adoption attorney can help you with most of the adoption process steps. If not, they can likely partner with the proper adoption professional to get the necessary help.
- Because you’re likely working with a local law firm, you can meet with your adoption attorney face-to-face throughout the adoption process.
- Adoption attorneys are subject to state reviews just as agencies are, ensuring they are following their state’s adoption laws. When choosing an adoption attorney, look for members of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys.
The Cons
- If you aren’t placing your child for adoption with a family you already have a relationship with, the downside to working with an attorney in an independent adoption is that they may not offer matching services. In this case, you would need to independently identify an adoptive family, thus limiting the number of available families to choose from and lessening your chance to match with a family that fits your criteria.
- By relying on an adoption attorney, you likely won’t have direct access to counseling and support for the emotional challenges that can come with adoption.
- Adoption attorneys manage many different cases at once, meaning they may not offer the availability you need during the adoption process. One of the most significant benefits of working with an agency is the personal attention you get from your professional, something independent adoption lawyers can’t always provide.
- Adoption lawyers often can’t keep up with post-placement support and agreements, such as receiving pictures and letters from the adoptive family and mediating contact. Adoption agencies offer these services so that you receive support beyond the completion of your adoption journey.
If you’re weighing whether to work with an agency or hire an adoption attorney independently, you can always get more information by completing this form to connect with a professional today.
Making the Best Decision for Your Adoption Plan
Ultimately, you’re in charge of your adoption plan. However, the benefits of working with an adoption agency are numerous, including getting free legal representation with an experienced adoption lawyer well-versed in your state’s laws.
After all, wouldn’t it be easier to have support and services all under one roof rather than seeking out specific professionals independently?
Adoption is a difficult decision. It’s also a brave and selfless choice to give your child the best chance at a life full of opportunity.
You deserve to work with the best adoption professionals, including attorneys, to ensure your adoption is legal and safe.
