Would-be adoptive parents and birth parents alike sometimes ask, “Do I really need a lawyer for an adoption?” The answer is yes. An experienced adoption attorney will make sure that your adoption journey is as smooth as possible and also that the adoption is fully legal and correctly finalized. Working with an adoption attorney can save you money in the long run if problems arise, and it can certainly save you time and angst even when everything goes as it should. But exactly how many lawyers do you need for an adoption?
Usually, you’ll need two lawyers for an adoption
The adoptive parents need a lawyer. This adoption professional will oversee the process and make sure everything is done according to the laws of the state in. which the adoption takes place.
Adoption laws are complicated. There will be a list of people who must consent and details about how you must contact them. You will need guidance about how to track expenses and what to do with that information. Your home study will go more smoothly if you have professional guidance in preparing for it.
And there’s more. The ins and outs of adoption law are commonplace to an adoption attorney, but not to people who do other kinds of work — which describes more adoptive parents.
If you adopt a newborn, the birth mother or expectant mom will also need legal representation. She needs her own lawyer to focus on protecting her rights and supporting her. Even when all the parents are in agreement, having a lawyer for each party protects everyone from unforeseen problems.
Does the child need a lawyer?
And infant doesn’t need a lawyer. However, if you adopt an older child, you may want an advocate for the child. Especially if the birth parens are no longer in the picture for some reason, it is important that the child has someone to make sure that his or her voice is heard and respected in the courtroom.
All parties in an adoption are working together in the best interests of the child. However, there can be complications that require special consideration.
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