Bloomington Family Lawyer
Bloomington Family Lawyer
Adoption is a strenuous process that will require the representation that a Bloomington family lawyer provides. While there are many reasons couples choose to adopt, chances are a new addition to the family is something they have dreamed about for a long time. Having a firm like Pioletti, Pioletti, & Nichols by your side can be advantageous for many reasons. Whether you are trying to gain guardianship over a child, seeking an adoption agency, or in the process of actively adopting a child, a lawyer can assist. State and federal laws mandate the adoption process, which can be complex to navigate and involve completing a significant amount of paperwork. Adoptions must be adequately conducted to ensure the adoption process is successful. For couples eager to adopt a child, several legal questions are likely to arise:
What types of adoption are available?
Families can adopt children in various ways through a state child welfare agency, international adoption, kinship adoption, and private adoption. Typically there are three types of adoptions available:
- Open Adoption- ongoing contact
- Closed Adoption- no contact
- Semi-Open Adoption- limited contact
What is a home study, and will it be required?
Yes, a home study is a requirement for all adoptions, whether private, international or through the child welfare system. The home study provides an overview of your life and is used to assess whether your family is a safe and appropriate environment for a child. The home study can be lengthy as it involves a thorough review of your background, such as your finances, personal relationships, criminal background, and more. Typically you will be required to gather critical documents, engage in home visits with a social worker, and participate in interviews.
Is a birth parent able to revoke consent?
A Bloomberg family lawyer shares that it may be possible for a birth parent to revoke consent; however, in Illinois, it becomes irrevocable once the consent is signed.
What is the role of a lawyer during and adoption?
An adoption lawyer can play different roles depending upon their client’s needs. At times the lawyer may liaise with the adoption agency and help manage complex legal issues as they arise. A couple may choose to use an experienced adoption lawyer to manage much of the process in other situations. Regardless of this, it’s usually in your best interest to work with an adoption agency as well. However, when a family has already identified a birth mother, you may be able to complete the process with just a lawyer’s services.
How long does the process of adoption take?
Adoption can be a long and drawn-out process before families can officially adopt a child. Generally, timeframes will vary depending upon the specific circumstances surrounding the case, such as the type of adoption and the child’s age. For example, some children may be available for adoption in a matter of months, while adopting a baby could take years.
Adopting a child is a great responsibility that couples shouldn’t take lightly. While the process can be complicated, Pioletti, Pioletti, & Nichols can help by providing guidance, support, and legal experience. For assistance, you can rely on contact our Bloomington family lawyer.
