Harrisburg Adoption Attorney
Your Guide to Navigating Adoption in Pennsylvania
Adoption can be a complex, yet very rewarding process. Whether you are adopting a newborn, a stepchild, or a foster child, the attorneys at Scaringi Law have the experience and commitment you need. We comprehend Pennsylvania adoption laws and know how to maneuver the intricate steps of the legal system. Contact our adoption attorneys for quality legal counsel in Newport, Harrisburg, or throughout central Pennsylvania.
Considering adoption? Call Scaringi Law at (717) 775-7195 for advice on your adoption questions today.
Legal Support for Harrisburg Families
We offer guidance and counsel to adoptive parents or biological parents throughout adoption proceedings. Our Harrisburg adoption attorneys are experienced handling all types of adoptions, including:
- Newborn adoptions
- Step-parent adoptions
- Private adoptions
- Third party adoptions/family adoptions
- Foster parent adoptions
- Interstate adoptions
- International adoptions
- Adult child adoptions
Guidance for Non-Familial Adoptive Parents: The adoption process generally includes a home study which is followed up by a pre-placement report. Additionally, a background check, including a child abuse assessment will be conducted. We inform clients of the requirements, guide them through the proceedings, and ensure they understand the ramifications of all documents they sign.
Support for Birth Parents Considering Adoption: It is an emotional decision to place your child with adoptive parents. It is a decision that should be carefully considered. However, it can also be a very brave decision if you believe your child will have a better life if adopted. We help you understand your rights and the documents that you will be signing. Adoption laws mandate that birth mothers are not permitted to legally consent to the adoption until 72 hours after the birth. Therefore, you have a right to revoke your decision for adoption until you sign the consent forms following the birth.
Step-Parent Adoption Process in Harrisburg: We help clients throughout the duration of the step-parent adoption process. In a step-parent adoption, the non-custodial biological parent must either consent to the adoption or have their parental rights terminated by the court. If consent cannot be obtained, we petition the court for involuntary termination of their parental rights. This process may take six (6) months or more. If the court terminates the parental rights of the biological parent, our Harrisburg step-parent adoption attorneys facilitate the remaining issues, including name changes where appropriate.
International Adoption Guidance: We assist adoptive parents through the international adoption process. Because many international adoptions physically occur on foreign soil, it is necessary to have the adoption registered in the United States. By registering the foreign adoption, the child is issued a Social Security card and birth certificate (if one has not already been issued).
Legal Services for Parents With Children By Surrogacy: Surrogacy is a relatively new concept which allows infertile couples to have children that are biologically related or partly biologically related.
Adoption Requirements and Procedures: Most American Adoption Agencies require that adoptive parents be between 22 and 50 years of age, although some exceptions have been known to be made. If a married couple would like to adopt a child, the child must be adopted by both spouses. Same-sex couples are treated equally as heterosexual couples. Most adoption agencies will want to conduct a home study, where they will inspect the home for safety measures and make sure that it is fit for a child. You will need to provide legal documents such as birth certificates, social security information, and tax information. You will need to submit to an interview and background check.
Related Reading:
- Custody and Adoption and Guardianship—Oh My! Deciphering the Confusing Legal Jargon of Parental Rights
- What Are the Rights of Biological Parents in Adoption?
- Family Law Matters: Relieving the Stress of Adoption
Learn more about adoption or discuss your legal concerns with our skilled adoption lawyers. Contact our Harrisburg, or Newport law firm to ask about our initial consults.