Entries in the 'Adoption' Category ↓

Adoption, a loving alternative to a creating a biological family, should be handled by an ethical attorney who has experience with birthmother rights, paternity issues, surrogacy, and grandparent rights. Adoption is a specialization that is part of a family law practice. The adoptive parents would determine if the adoption route they choose is domestic adoption, international adoption, or agency adoption. There are different regulations for adoptions governed by federal and state laws.

How do you know if you are ready to adopt after infertility?

Infertility

Most couples arrive at the adoption process after they have undergone countless medical tests and procedures such as insemination and in vitro fertilization.  These procedures involve a time commitment, cost, and a great amount of stress.  The pain of infertility is something you can’t brush off.  Being in an infertility support group can help you and your spouse deal with the grief and anger of infertility, and the options that are available to you.  The Southeast chapter of RESOLVE  can help you find a local chapter in Atlanta which would provide support, education, and resources that will help you with options to grow your family.

Adoption

For those people that choose adoption as a means to grow their family, know that you are not settling.  You are choosing a different, and maybe bumpy, road to parenthood.  But I promise it will be one that will be joyous and rewarding.  Adoption will provide relief that you are doing something to build your family.  It gives you some feelings of control back.

Types of Adoption

Domestic Adoption

There are many different types of adoptions, and researching them together with Georgia adoption laws is a smart move.  An Atlanta adoption attorney can help you choose which one is best for you and your spouse.  It may also be helpful to speak with a well-known trusted adoption agency in Atlanta and ask about waiting lists and their procedures. 

International Adoption

If you choose to adopt from another country, there are countries which are friendly to US adoptive couples and some that are not.  Requirements in international adoption can be quite complex.  You should speak to an attorney well-versed in international adoption if you are considering this method of building your family.

No matter which type of adoption you choose after infertility, remember that the wait will be worth it.  You will be a parent and a child will have a family who loves them.

This article was provided by Atlanta adoption attorneys, Hedgepeth & Heredia, LLC, (866) 457-1299, www.georgiaadoptionlawfirm.com.

Step-Parent Adoption in CA

In California, there is one of four ways in which a step-parent adoption may occur. Although not required by law, many families choose to get the counsel and aid of an adoption attorney. Adoption is not an automatic result of marrying a child’s natural parent. There is a legal process; beginning with filing a petition. In California the criteria for step-parent adoption are, consent, willful failure to support, abandonment, and termination of rights of either parent.

• Consent – If consent of the absent parent or non-custodial parent is obtained, it is a relatively simple and quick process for the step-parent to adopt a child. As with all California adoptions, a home study must be conducted.
• Willful failure to support – In this case, consent is not required if the custodial parent and step-parent testify to the fact that the absent parent has failed to provide support, and has not communicated with the child for at least a year. The absent parent must be notified and given an opportunity to explain to the court any justifiable circumstances that might exist, preventing the payment of support and communication with the child.
• Abandonment – Again, consent is not required. The criteria for abandonment is either failure to support a child or having no communications with a child for a year., There is another step in the process that involves a probation department’s investigation to determine why the absent parent has not supported or has not communicated with their child for a period of a year. And again, notice must be given to the absent parent plus be given to some of the relatives of that absent parent as well.
• Termination of rights of a parent – This can be accomplished either by a court order or, by “a relinquishment of the child for adoption” on file with if the California Department of Social Services.

The step-parent adoption process can take time depending on how difficult it is to prove the criteria on which the adoption petition is based. For complete and official information regarding step-parent adoption, refer to the California Family Codes at the government website, or consult with a knowledgeable adoption attorney or Los Angeles family law firm.

Article contributed by Los Angeles family attorneys Rombro & Associates, (310) 545-1900, www.rombrolaw.com.