HOW TO FILE ADOPTION PAPERS WITHOUT A LAWYER

Albert Howard

Law
HOW TO FILE ADOPTION PAPERS WITHOUT A LAWYER

Adoption procedures can be tasking and overwhelming; sometimes, the cost of hiring a lawyer contributes to the financial cost of the process. 

(Work with professional adoption attorneys)

Having a lawyer by your side is of great help, but if you’re considering filing for adoption without a lawyer, you need to read this article. 

ADOPTION PROCESS

When considering adoption, there are key steps that must be followed. The process and duration of adopting a child may vary. 

Since adoption is legal and recognized in the law, it is expected that an adoptive parent get an attorney who will serve as a guide through the process. 

Notwithstanding, adoptive parents can go on with the process without a lawyer. 

The following are processes involved in adoption. 

IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF ADOPTION YOU DESIRE

As an adoptive parent, you should have a decision to make on what type of adoption suits you. 

It ranges from domestic or international, private or foster care, adopting a baby or an older child. 

Your decision bothers around your finance too and the requirement from the court. 

  • RESEARCH THE COST OF ADOPTION

Having decided on what type of adoption suits you, research the cost of adopting a child. 

Keep in mind that there are various agencies you will have to work with. Marketing firms, home study costs, legal expenses, hospital bills, and professional fees are included.

All these are the major standard charges you need to consider. 

  • HIRE AN ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL

While scouting for a professional, do well to get one who covers all adoption services. Don’t go for a professional whose services cover only home study and leave out the rest. 

Request for their services and also the cost involved. Some may have hidden charges that will bring up a misunderstanding in the long run. 

Some professionals may give a fair price but have hidden charges, while some with a higher cost have a detailed budget. 

To be safer, request a quotation for adopting a child. This will serve as proof. 

  • WORK WITH YOUR ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL

This is the beginning of your journey, where you fill out relevant documents. This is not done in a rush. Certain information and decisions will be taken. 

The condition surrounding a birth mother situation, in case of delivery or miscarriage, will be decided in your document. 

  • HOME STUDY

A social worker will inspect your house and ask questions about family background, education, employment, relationships, finances, and prior parenting experiences.

  • PLACEMENT

The adoptive parent will have to find a birth mother, get to know each and if that is successful, they prepare to get a placement. 

The waiting period depends on the pregnancy status of the birth mother. In summary, when it’s time for delivery, the adoptive parent will be informed by their professional agency. 

FINALIZATION

When the delivery is done and placement made, your agency helps you file a petition to the court for adoption. 

After that is approved, you get notified by your social worker on the final hearing in court. This is done between 10 to 20 minutes. 

The adoptive family is given final custody of the adopted child. You now have your child. 

The agency and social worker fill the vacuum of a lawyer when needed.