Adoption

Adoptions permit individuals who are not the biological parent of a child, or in some cases an adult, to establish the legal parent-child relationship. Before an adoption can take place, the biological parent must either be deceased or have had his/her rights terminated by Order of Court. This Order can be based on the stipulation of the biological parent (Voluntary Termination) or after hearing testimony in a contested case (Involuntary Termination). The Court must find that the facts of the case satisfy strict statutory provisions before it can enter an Order involuntarily terminating the parental rights of an individual to his/her child.

Adoptions can be “open” or “closed.” In an “open” adoption, the biological parent whose rights were terminated can maintain contact and visit with the adopted child. In “closed” adoptions, there are no provisions for such contact and visitation. If there is a family relationship with the individual seeking to adopt, such as a step parent or grandparent, the procedures are different and simpler than procedures involving an unrelated adult (e.g. foster parent or other Agency placement) who is seeking to adopt.

In all termination of parental rights and adoption cases the experienced attorneys of our law firm will thoroughly prepare and guide you through the process.