The Power To Move Forward 

Adoption is a way of creating a legal parent-child relationship.

Through adoption, a parent other than the birth parent becomes legally responsible for the child’s physical, material and emotional well-being.

Types of adoption:

Domestic adoption:

Domestic adoptions are Adoptions that take place in the United States;

International adoption:

International adoptions are Adoptions by Americans of non-American children from another country;

Stepparent adoption:

Stepparent adoptions are where an adult married to the biological or adoptive parent of a child adopts the child;

Open adoption:

There are many variables with this type of adoption but generally speaking, the birth parents and the adoptive parents meet and contractually agree to the degree of contact between the birth parents and the adoptive parents and the child. This can include anything from a mere exchange of contact information to visitation by the birth parents;

Closed adoption:

The adoptive parents do not meet with the birth parents and no identifying or contact information is exchanged, although medical histories may be made available; and

Adult adoption:

The adoption of an adult 18 years or older. This is most common in a foster family relationship where the child may not have been available to adopt until after his or her 18th birthday.

Who may adopt:

Generally, anyone over 18 years of age who is capable of supporting a child is eligible to adopt. This includes single, divorced and married people; people from various economic, religious and cultural backgrounds; gay, lesbian and transgendered people; and people who already have children. You don't need to own a home or meet any specific income level to be eligible. Being the family who can best meet a child's needs is the most important factor.

Agency vs. Independent Adoption: 

One of the main differences in using an agency or independent adoption is the timing of the birth parents’ consent to the adoption. In an agency adoption, the birth parents relinquish their rights to the agency. By the time the child is placed in the adoptive home, all of their birth parents’ rights have been terminated. In independent adoptions, the adoptive parents must work with the birth parents to secure consent to the adoption and termination of the parental rights.

Contact Us to set an appointment. The consultation is free. We look forward to working with you and we know you will be pleased with our services.

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