Adoption lawyers have licensed attorneys who specialize in adoption proceedings. In some cases, they work for firms that handle only adoptions. In other cases, their firms cover all areas of family law. ABM Family Law is in the latter category. In addition to adoption cases, we also handle divorce, legal separation, child custody cases, and more.
Perhaps the title of this post got your attention because you are either thinking of adopting or you have already started the process. The first thing we want you to know is that the alleged distinction between agency and lawyer adoptions is a myth. There is no such distinction.
The adoption agency you eventually work with will utilize the services of an attorney, whether you do or not. There is no way to complete an adoption without involving at least one lawyer. This reinforces one of the fundamental rules of practicing law: if the other guy is represented by an attorney, you should be too.
Adoption Is a Legal Process
We recommend utilizing an adoption attorney for several reasons, beginning with the fact that adoption is a legal process. When you adopt a child, you are becoming their legal parent according to the laws of your state. As Chicago adoption lawyers, we deal with Illinois law.
Adoption being a legal process stipulates that it is best conducted by legal professionals. While you could represent yourself in an adoption proceeding, do you really have the knowledge and expertise to do so? Probably not. Adoption lawyers do.
Even setting all of that aside, a successful adoption has to be finalized in a court of law. There are certain procedures that need to be followed in order to do so. Again, you probably do not have the knowledge or skill to navigate the court process. Why beat yourself over the head trying to do something adoption lawyers do on a daily basis?
Everyone Has Rights
Whenever you are talking about legal issues, you have to consider that all of the parties involved have rights. Adoption is no exception. In any given case, lawyers have to address the rights of:
- the child in question
- his or her birth parents
- the potential adoptive parents
- the adoption agency
- foster parents or guardians (where applicable).
One of your attorney’s jobs is to protect both your rights and those of the child you are adopting. A lack of legal representation could ultimately mean those rights get trampled. Unfortunately, even something as honorable as adoption can be ruined by parties that do not respect the rights of the other parties involved.
Laws Vary by State
Earlier we mentioned that adoptions are governed by state law. Note that adoption laws vary from one state to the next. For example, some states offer only closed adoptions – which is to say that adoption records are permanently sealed to all but the birth parents. Other states allow adopted children access to those records when they become adults.
What you might understand from a previous state of residence may not apply to your current state. What a family member experienced in New York will not necessarily hold true in Illinois. Adoption lawyers know the laws in their respective states. They are the most qualified to assist adoptive parents as they navigate the legal process.
We are Chicago adoption lawyers well-versed in Illinois law. We advocate for adoptive parents to ensure their best interest as well as those of their adoptive children. We are ready to come alongside you to assist in legally adopting that child you love so much.
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