Adoption is a wonderful option for expanding your family, but the laws governing the process are quite complex. Working with an attorney with significant experience in adoption law will help ensure that the adoption process goes smoothly.
An adoption attorney will:
Provide
an unbiased explanation of adoption procedures and develop a legally secure plan tailored to your needs.
Explain
your rights and adoption laws in your state or refer you to attorneys who practice in other states or internationally.
Assess
the risks involved, including determining what payments are permissible and ensuring that birth parents are treated fairly and their rights are legally terminated before placement is finalized.
Review
and negotiate the adoption agency contract to protect your interests.
Clarify
your options, if any, for post-placement arrangements with birth parents, making sure your interests and those of the child are served.
Tips for Choosing an Adoption Attorney
Contact
an attorney as early as possible in the decision-making process.
Know
what the attorney charges, how fees are structured and that you can afford the services.
Learn
the specific types of adoption services the attorney provides. Ask what percentage of the practice is dedicated to adoption and how many adoption proceedings the attorney has handled.
Ask
questions, request references, share your concerns and provide the attorney with all relevant documents. Ask for a written retainer agreement that outlines what the attorney charges, how fees are structured and other details regarding fees and fee payment.
Choose
an attorney who is experienced in the type of adoption you are considering.
Members of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA) are located throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. Our Fellows are required to have significant experience and skill in the field of family building through adoption. The Academy is the largest and most accessible resource for finding a highly qualified adoption attorney.
🌐 www.adoptionART.org
📞 (317) 407-8422