Adoption is a beautiful and life-changing journey– both for prospective parents, and the child awaiting a loving home.

However, if you’re familiar with the adoption process at all, you’re aware of how complicated it can be. It involves several intricate legal steps that must be navigated carefully in order to ensure a successful and mutually beneficial adoption journey.

If you’re looking into adoption, you’ll find it helpful to familiarize yourself with the key legal steps involved in adopting a child, in order to help you better understand and prepare for your adoption journey.

Choose the right type of adoption

There are a few different types of adoption; the first step in your adoption journey should be figuring out which type is the right one for you.

Some of these include domestic adoption (adopting a child whose parents live in the United States), international adoption (adopting a child from a country other than the United States), foster care adoption (adopting a child who has been placed in foster care in your home), and private adoption (adopting a child who is not in state custody or the custody of an adoption agency– this includes adoption of relatives and stepchildren).

Each type of adoption has its own unique legal requirements and processes. Consulting with an attorney who specializes in family law, or an adoption agency, can help you to choose the most suitable path based on your preferences and circumstances.

Select an adoption professional

Because the process of adoption is complex, we’d highly recommend working with a professional in the field. This might include adoption agencies, attorneys, and other facilitators.

These professionals can guide you through the legal complexities of the adoption process, ensuring compliance with all applicable adoption laws and regulations. Do some research in order to choose a reputable professional who specializes in the type of adoption you’ve chosen.

Complete a home study

A home study is a comprehensive assessment of your home, your background, and your suitability to adopt.

This process is a requirement in most adoptions, and it’s very important– it helps to ensure that prospective adoptive parents will provide a safe, nurturing environment for the child.

This home study is conducted by a licensed social worker or agency, who then prepares a report outlining their findings.

File a petition for adoption

In most cases of adoption, the birth parents must voluntarily terminate their parental rights for the adoption to proceed.

This is a significant legal step, and might require the birth parents to sign legal documents stating that they consent to the adoption.

In cases where the birth parents cannot be located, or refuse to consent, the court may need to take steps in order to terminate their parental rights involuntarily.

Attend court hearings

Adoption proceedings often involve court hearings, where the judge reviews the adoption petition, conducts interviews, and ensures that all legal requirements are met.

These hearings can be nerve-wracking, since adoption is often so emotionally charged, but they’re a necessary part of the adoption process. Your attorney will guide you through these hearings, provide you with all of the information you need, and provide support.

Once the legal adoption proceedings have been completed, the court provides a final decree of adoption, and the adoptive parents gain full legal rights and responsibilities for the child.

Seek legal insight

An attorney specializing in family law will help to guide you through the entire process of adoption, from start to finish. They’ll be well-versed in exactly what you need to do and when, in order to keep you fully informed and prepared. 

If you’re in need of an attorney specializing in family law, reach out to Digby Law Firm for a consultation today.