The modern world has created so many possibilities for each of us to live the life that we envision. Among these is the widespread acceptance and accessibility to adoption and assisted reproductive technology. For parents looking forward to the growth of your family, a Manhattan adoption lawyer could assist in providing solutions for the complexity of the legal issues so that you may eagerly await your family addition with less stress and concern.
For birth parents looking for the right placement, we also assist in providing solutions so that your needs and expectations can be met in a safe, comfortable, and respectful environment. We see birth parents and surrogates as providing a wonderful gift of life.
We look forward to assisting you and providing normalcy in a time that can feel uncertain. Our firm has lawyers who have adopted and those who were adopted. We bring this perspective to our work in an effort to make the process as smooth and effective as possible.
If you are considering opening your home to a child or family member who you have raised as your own, a skilled Manhattan adoption lawyer could guide you through the legal process. A compassionate family attorney that is well-versed in state adoption laws could walk you through the steps of adding a member to your family.
Open Versus Closed Adoptions in Manhattan
One of the first considerations in adoption is whether the prospective adoptive parents and the child will have any contact with the birth family after the adoption is finalized. Generally, closed adoptions eliminate communication between all parties involved, and the adoptive and birth families do not meet one another or exchange any identifying information. Any court records identifying the birth parents or the adoptive parents are sealed. However, state law does permit the birth parents’ medical histories to be disclosed for the child’s benefit.
Open adoption provides for communication between the birth and adoptive parents, as well as any contact between the child and the birth family that the parties agree would be beneficial. This contact could range from letters and emails to in-person visits that include the child’s birth siblings and extended family members. There is no state law that makes post-adoption contact agreements legally enforceable, so a parent considering an open adoption in Manhattan could benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable attorney.
To successfully complete an adoption in Kansas, the prospective adoptive family must undergo a home study. A home study aims to ensure that the child’s needs will be met in their new home. A licensed home study provider reviews documents and interviews the family members. The following steps are required in a home study.
Document Review
The adoptive family must provide numerous documents to the home study investigator, including but not limited to financial statements, a doctor’s letter verifying the prospective parents’ health, and reference letters from friends and family. The investigator may also run federal and state criminal background checks.
In-Person Interviews
The home study evaluator will interview the adoptive parents and may also speak with any other family members. The evaluator will likely ask the adoptive family about their family histories, reasons for wanting to adopt, parenting views, and ability to meet the child’s needs.
Home Inspection
After completing the interview, the home study investigator will tour the adoptive family’s home and inspect it for safety and suitability for a child. Generally, the home inspection is the last step before the placement of the child.
Post Placement Visits
Following an adoption placement, adoptive families will undergo a post-placement supervision period. The home study evaluator will visit the home and assess the parent’s and child’s adjustment to the placement. The investigator will also observe the interaction between the child and the parents to ensure that the arrangement is a good fit for the entire family.
While undergoing a home study can feel overwhelming, a practiced adoption attorney in Manhattan could explain the requirements and help the family prepare to meet with the home study investigator.
Can Stepparents Adopt in Manhattan?
In a stepparent adoption, an individual legally adopts their spouse’s child and gains equal parenting rights. There are several reasons that someone may wish to adopt a stepchild, including:
Enabling a child to receive specific financial benefits
Allowing a child to inherit from a parent
Formalizing an existing bond between a stepparent and a child
A seasoned adoption attorney could explain the legal requirements for a stepparent adoption and the challenges that may arise if a child’s birth parent objects.
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Our Adoption Services
If you are ready to start, we can help you with the following types of adoptions and assisted reproductive technology:
Domestic Adoptions
Private Adoptions
Adoptions by family relatives
Adoptions through the foster care system
Step-parent adoptions
Agency adoptions
International Adoptions
Adoption of international children living in the US
Adoption of international children living outside the US
Assisted Reproductive Technology
Surrogacy Contracts and Agreements
We happily represent either adoptive parents or surrogates.
Contact a Manhattan Adoption Attorney to Learn More
If you are seeking to grow your family through adoption, an experienced Manhattan adoption lawyer could answer your questions about the process. A skilled attorney could discuss post-adoption contact agreements, help you prepare for the home study, and represent you at a final adoption hearing. Reach out today to learn more about what our dedicated legal team could do for you.
