Family law matters: Relieving the stress of adoption
On behalf of Scaringi Law posted in Family Law on Friday, January 13, 2017.
When Pennsylvania families open their hearts and homes to a child that is not theirs biologically, it should be a joyous occasion. Unfortunately, the process can be frustrating and stressful, but it does not have to be that way. Having help navigating through this matter, regardless of the type of adoption (newborn adoption, step-parent adoption, interstate adoption, international adoption, etc.), an experienced adoption attorney could allow you to focus on planning for the new addition to your family instead of worrying about the details and legal requirements.
Home Study, Pre-Placement Reports, and Background Checks
Allowing a skilled attorney to guide you helps alleviate the stress associated with adoption. An attorney can explain the home study, pre-placement report, and background check to you. All of these steps are necessary to ensure that the child will be loved and cared for even though you might feel as though you are being accused of something. Knowing these are necessary steps in order to become parents might help you through it.
Understanding and Signing Paperwork
Any documentation you are asked to sign should be reviewed and explained to you by your attorney before you sign. International adoptions often involve additional paperwork, and registering the adoption here in the United States is essential. If you are a stepparent wanting to adopt your spouse's child, the other parent's rights must be terminated before you can proceed. This could involve additional court proceedings if the other parent refuses to voluntarily terminate his or her parental rights.
Seek Guidance from a Pennsylvania Adoption Lawyer
These steps need to be taken even when an adoption goes smoothly. If any additional issues come up, having a Pennsylvania adoption attorney advocating for you is crucial to get them resolved so that the process can move forward. Even if there are bumps in the road, at the end of the journey, the goal is to celebrate the newest addition to your family.