Adoption

Adoption

Deciding to grow your family through adoption is exciting, but can also be extraordinarily stressful. In any adoption, there are several steps that are involved and many details to consider even before beginning the process. The process of adopting a child can be slow and can require a significant degree of patience and persistence. Fortunately, there is help available. 
 
The Benefits of Adoption
The legal process of adoption creates a parent-child relationship between a child and adult. Once an adoption is finalized, the adoptive parent has full parental rights and those in the child’s birth parents are terminated. 
 
Second Parent Adoptions
Maryland allows same-sex couples to become parents through a process known as “second parent adoption.” In same-sex family units who fail to utilize adoption, one of the parents is at risk for having his or her status as a parent questioned.
 
Stepparent Adoptions
Another common scenario in which people adopt a child is when a parent remarries and his or her partner would like to establish parental rights. In many of these cases, one of the biological parents is not active in the child’s life and the stepparent wishes to fill that role.
 
Third Party Adoptions
In cases where there is no biological connection to the child adoptions need to follow certain procedures. A home study must be done to make certain that the new parent is appropriate to adopt this child.

Why do I need an Attorney?
Many people wonder whether they should retain a lawyer to help them in the adoption process. While there is no law requiring prospective adoptive parents to hire a lawyer, it is often highly advisable to do so. An attorney can help you with paperwork, represent your interests, file the paperwork with the court, and even help you in finding a birthmother. In addition, should there be any issues that arise during the process, having an attorney who is already familiar with your situation can often help resolve them quickly and efficiently.

Schedule a Consultation

Individuals who are having issues related to family law should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. For more than 30 years, the attorneys of Conklyn & Kemp have provided professional and solution-oriented legal advice and representation. Fill out the form below to schedule a consultation.

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