Buying a Home: Why Legal Help Matters

Have you been thinking of adopting a child? If you have such thoughts, then you should know about the different forms of adoption available today. Here is an overview of the three main types of child adoption:

Agency Adoption

This is a case where you use an agent to handle the adoption process on your behalf. There are both private and public adoption agencies though they all do the same things. Here are some of the services to expect from the adoption agency:

·         Matching you with the biological parent

·         Performing a home study

·         Ensuring that everything is above board legally speaking

·         Handling the paperwork

A great advantage of using an adoption agency is that they are inexpensive. Unfortunately, they tend to have long waiting periods and complicated processes that may make the adoption process seem overly complicated to you.

Private Adoption

A private adoption is just what it sounds like; it involves an adoption process that is basically a private arrangement between two consenting adults. In this case, it is up to you to find a biological mother of a child whom they are willing to give up for adoption. Basically, it is up to you to do all of the things that the agency would have done for you.

Some people prefer private adoption because it can eliminate red tape and hasten the adoption process. However, it is quite expensive (agency adoption is usually subsidized) and you will be left with no help if a complication arises. Moreover, private adoptions are also illegal in some places.

Stepparent Adoption

This is what happens when you get married to a parent and agree to adopt their child from a previous relationship. This is one of the most straightforward forms of adoption as long as you can get the consent of the biological parent. It only becomes difficult if you can't get the biological parent's consent because then you must petition the court to terminate that parent's parental rights, and this is only possible in a few special cases. A biological parent's parental rights can only be terminated if the other parent is unfit, abandoned the child or is not a biological parent of the child (in the case of men).

Adopting a child can be a very satisfying experience, but only if you execute it right. Consult a family law attorney, like Scott Lyons Attorney at Law, to help you navigate the process and ensure that your dreams of having a baby come true.