Every child deserves to grow up in a loving and supportive home. Unfortunately, some children are born into difficult economic, familial and social situations and may subsequently be placed into foster care or an orphanage. For children who are eligible, adoption provides the opportunity to obtain much-needed stability in their lives and to become a cherished member of a loving family.

For a variety of reasons, residents in and around the Springfield area may choose to explore adopting a child. According to the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, an estimated 18 million children around the world have been orphaned. In the U.S. alone, more than 100,000 foster children are waiting to be adopted. While there is certainly a great need for adoptive families, the adoption process can be complicated and full of frustrations and delays. When something as important as a child’s safety and wellbeing is at stake, it’s important to seek the advice and assistance of an attorney who handles family law and adoption matters.

When it comes to the adoption process, much depends on whether you plan to adopt a child from the U.S. or from another country. Additionally, there may be cases in which a birth parent and/or a child’s other relatives take action to prevent a child’s adoption. An attorney who is well-versed in adoption law and the varying legal requirements and processes related thereto can answer questions, provide advice and assist in ensuring that the adoption process goes as smoothly as possible.

For an individual or couple who wishes to adopt a child, it’s important to understand specifics related to the different types of adoption as well as the potential positives and negatives of each type. For example, you may choose to go through an actual adoption agency or to adopt independently via an arrangement directly with a child’s birth parent(s).

The type of adoption process you choose will also likely impact the age of the children available to adopt, the length of the adoption process, the pre-adoption qualification process and whether an adoption is open or closed.

In cases where you wish to explore international adoption, it’s very important to closely consult with an attorney through every step of the process. International adoptions involve special government and immigration regulations and requirements from both the U.S. as well as the country from which you wish to adopt a child. Additionally, as an adoptive parent, an attorney will work to protect your best interests in safeguarding against any possible acts of misrepresentation or fraud.

Source: FindLaw.com, “Adoption,” Feb. 2, 2016