Choosing to expand your family through adoption can be an extremely joyous decision, but the process is often long, difficult, and complex. Even if you think you know what to expect, the adoption process can throw hopeful parents countless curveballs before everything is said and done. Whether you’re going through a private organization, the public system, or an international facility, you need to make sure you’re well-equipped to handle each stage of the adoption process as it comes.
In order to ensure you’re prepared and adequately informed, you need to work with an attorney who has ample experience with adoption cases. An adoption attorney can help with the following:
Filing Documents
Throughout the adoption process, you and your partner will be filling out countless forms and documents. If you apply through different adoption agencies, you will need to file a new form with each one. Also, if you need to work with social services, you will undoubtedly need to file additional paperwork. In short, there are several documents you will need to file and countless deadlines to keep track of. Having an adoption attorney can help you keep everything in order. Your attorney will take charge of the essential documents, keeping things organized and ensuring that you get everything submitted on time.
Communication With Agencies & Social Services
Dealing with adoption agencies can be difficult, especially if you and your partner both work. Keeping track of each agency, trying to get ahold of important contacts and trying to get the information you need can be challenging. By working with an adoption lawyer, you can eliminate this added obstacle. Your attorney will act as point person and will handle the communications for you, weeding out unimportant calls and informing you of any important changes. Not only will this save you time and stress, it could help keep things more organized and ensure a higher chance of securing a positive outcome.
Making Key Adoption Decisions
From start to finish, the adoption process is full of difficult decisions. While some of these decisions are intensely personal and should be left up to you and your partner, there are quite a few legal decisions that may be easier when you have an attorney’s expert advice. Your adoption lawyer can inform you of your options when it comes to open or closed adoption agreements, choosing an adoption agency, selecting different types of adoption methods, and so on.
Protecting Your Rights as a Parent
Even though adoption is a very private experience, it’s important to remember that it’s also a binding legal process. Before you make any big decisions, you will need an attorney to review the adoption paperwork and inform you of your rights as a parent. Adoption agencies might try to take advantage of you, or you might overlook a key issue amid all of the excitement. Whatever the issue, an adoption attorney will look out for your best interest and make sure your wishes are heard. Also, if you do come across an issue, your adoption attorney can represent your rights in court.
An adoption attorney can be an extra set of eyes and ears throughout the legal process, protecting your interests and providing you with the information and guidance you require. If you are ready to pursue an adoption, our firm is here to help.
Contact Casey, Simmons & Bryant, PLLCto speak with our Jackson family law lawyers about your case.
