Adoption is a beautiful way for people to expand their families. Whether it is a first child or fourth, it is amazing to see a child accepted into a loving home. Moreover, witnessing an adoption is one of the best parts of being a family law adoption attorney.
However, the adoption process can be a mystery to many people. One aspect of adoption that every prospective parent needs to understand is the difference between going through a private adoption with an attorney or going through the process with an agency.
Private Adoptions
Private or independent adoptions occur when the intended parents work with an attorney to facilitate an adoption. The attorney is the intermediary between the expectant parents and the adoptive parents. In this arrangement, the birth parents give up their rights to the child directly to the adoptive parents. Hence, it is important that adoptive parents work with an experienced adoption attorney.
A lawyer who specifically practices in this area is able to connect his or her clients with expectant parents. Additionally, a knowledgeable attorney can guide his or her clients through the adoption process step by step and will know the state requirements for a private adoption such as a home study, which can be performed by an independent social worker or someone from an adoption agency.
Benefits of a private adoption include faster results than typical agency adoptions and fewer requirements on the adoptive parents. The intended families must only qualify under state law and are not restricted by additional agency requirements.
Agency Adoptions
While there are several advantages to a private adoption, there are also benefits to working with an adoption agency. An adoption agency has trained professionals who help match adoptive parents with expectant moms. An agency has the resources to match people across the country or world, and will help connect individuals who want the same type of relationship. Additionally, agencies have counselors available to help adoptive and birth parents emotionally handle the process of adoption.
Finally, adoptive parents can work with public or private agencies. Private agencies are based on private funds and must be licensed by the state. A public agency, however, works with Illinois social services to match children in need of homes with adoptive parents. These organizations are often in charge of placing children who are older, or who have been abused or neglected by birth parents.
Speak with a DuPage, Illinois Adoption Attorney
If you are interested in adoption and would like to learn more about your options and the process involved, please contact our skilled DuPage County family law attorneys right away to learn more. Call 630-665-7676 to schedule your appointment today.
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