The decision to adopt a child is not only exciting for the new parents, but can be life changing to the child that is adopted. Throughout the world, children are given up for adoption with the hope that they will grow up in a more secure and stable environment.
According to the State Department, approximately 11,890 children were adopted between the years of 1999 and 2013 in Illinois. Although adoption can be mutually beneficial for both the child and the new parents, it can also be a complicated process. Thus, it is important that a family who is looking to adopt consult with an adoption lawyer whom they trust to help them with the process.
What Does an Adoption Lawyer Do?
Adopting a child is a serious matter that requires extensive paperwork and strict fulfillment of many legal requirements. Couples who wish to adopt a child are encouraged to seek legal representation to help them with the adoption process for several reasons, including the following:
- To make sure that all paperwork is filled out accurately and promptly: In Illinois, the court typically requires a formal adoption petition to be filed with the court containing pertinent information about the child and the child’s parents if known. An attorney who is experienced in adoption law can file the petition on the parents’ behalf and help the parents fill out any additional required paperwork. An attorney can also track the paperwork and provide parents with any updates.
- To make sure that parental rights are transferred legally to the new parents: Depending on the circumstances, a child’s birth parents may have to forego their rights as parents so that the adoptive parents can obtain legal custody over the child. An adoption lawyer can work with both families to ensure that all necessary legal requirements are met.
- To make court appearances: An attorney will accompany adoptive parents to any court appearances and communicate all pertinent information to the judge. An attorney will also raise any possible legal issues related to the adoption and will make sure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
- To handle the grunt work: In a private adoption, an attorney can help screen potential birth parents and negotiate any payments to the birth mother. Some aspects of an adoption can be unpleasant or awkward and an attorney can help alleviate some of the added stress of handling these matters.
Contact an Illinois Adoption Lawyer
If you are contemplating adoption in Illinois, please contact one of our DuPage County adoption lawyers at Sullivan Taylor, Gumina & Palmer, P.C., P.C. today. Our attorneys are well versed in Illinois adoption laws and can help you through the adoption process so that you can focus on creating a loving environment for your new family.
