Important:
The following information is provided by the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys.
Why hire
an Adoption Attorney?
Adoption is a wonderful option
for expanding your family, but the laws governing the process are quite complex. Working with an expert in adoption law will
help ensure that your adoption proceeds smoothly. An adoption attorney will:
Provide an unbiased explanation of adoption procedures and develop a legally secure
plan tailored to your needs;
Explain
your rights and the adoption laws in your state or refer you to attorneys who practice in other states or internationally;
Assess the risks involved, including
determining what costs are permissible and ensuring that birth parent’ right s are legally terminated;
Review and negotiate adoption agency
contracts to ensure your interests are served;
Clarify your options for post-placement
arrangements, if any, with birth parents and draft or review an agreement to ensure your interests and those of the child
are served.
Tips for choosing
an Adoption Attorney
Contact an attorney as early as possible in the decision-making process.
Know what the attorney
charges, how fees are structured, and that they are affordable.
Learn about the specific types of adoptions and services the attorney
provides. Ask what percentage of the practice is dedicated to adoption and how many adoption proceedings the attorney has
handled.
Ask
for references. Ask lots of questions, share your concerns, and provide the attorney with all relevant documents.
Choose an attorney who is experienced
in the type of adoption you are considering.
The
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys has members throughout the U.S. and Canada who are experts in the complexities of adoption
law as well as interstate and international regulations surrounding adoption. The Academy is the largest and most accessible
resource for finding an adoption attorney.
