Adoption can be an exciting, life-changing experience for many, creating or expanding families. As in any U.S. state, the adoption process in North Carolina requires several stages to ensure that children are legally and safely transitioned into families. If you or a loved one is expecting or wanting to adopt, an experienced Statesville adoption lawyer can help.
Approximately 40,000 to 50,000 private domestic adoptions occur annually in the U.S. You do not want to go through this process alone or without quality legal help. Our attorneys at Griffin Law, PLLC, can provide reliable legal assistance throughout the adoption process.
Defining the Adoption Process
Adoption is a legal process that establishes a parent-child relationship between the adoptive parent and the adoptee. In North Carolina, individuals deemed mature, stable, and suitable to care for a child are eligible to adopt. Adoption petitions can be submitted by either a married couple or a single person.
If both biological parents have consented to giving their child up for adoption or a court has terminated their parental rights, a child is available for adoption. Once these factors are established, the adoption process typically spans three to four months. The process can vary in length and complexity depending on the cooperation between the various parties.
Types of Adoption in North Carolina
Different types of adoption require varying amounts of time due to differences in the legal processes and paperwork involved. For example, you may or may not need a pre-placement assessment on you and your home at the beginning of the adoption process. Your family law attorney will understand the details of your case and be able to tell you each step that is required for your circumstances.
The six different types of adoption in North Carolina include:
- Agency adoption
- Independent adoption
- Relative adoption
- Step-parent adoption
- Foreign adoption
- Adult adoption
Despite the different types of adoptions, all types require filing a special proceeding with the court. It is essential to understand the adoption process and its associated rules. To gain a comprehensive understanding of these complicated processes, Attorney Griffin and his team can help ensure that you receive the necessary assistance to navigate your adoption process.
The Legal Steps
Once a couple or individual determines they want to seek adoption, chooses an adoption type, and secures an attorney, the process of adoption can officially begin. Adopters can expect to go through these processes:
- Home study
- Matching
- Filing the adoption petition
- Securing legal representation
- Birth parent consent
- Adoption hearing
- Finalization
Steps such as home studies and matching involve background checks, interviews, and home visits to determine how suitable the adoptive home and prospective parents are for the potential adoptee.
Filing the adoption petition, securing legal representation, and gaining consent from the birth parents are the foundational legal events that must be secured before moving forward in the process. The concluding steps of the adoption hearing and finalization establish the legal parent-child relationship, marking the end of a several-months-long process.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
Almost all adoptions require the assistance of a lawyer to finalize the legal process. To avoid any misunderstandings or legal missteps, having an attorney to help you from the first steps of this process is beneficial. Additionally, having the assistance of an attorney from the initiation of your adoption process can accelerate the process.
The adoption process can be overwhelming on its own. However, collaborating with an experienced Statesville attorney can significantly ease the process.
Family law attorneys help by:
- Guiding you through the legal system with their knowledge and proficiency
- Protecting your rights and interests as an adoptive parent
- Helping you avoid legal issues that may arise throughout the process
- Providing support and guidance through an emotional period
Adoption is a major life-changing event that requires careful planning and consideration. Hiring an Statesville adoption lawyer can make the adoption process more manageable and efficient. Adoption presents an exciting life transition, but the legal process can be daunting and complicated if attempted alone.
FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Child in NC?
Adoption costs can vary depending on the type of adoption. Foster care adoptions are nearly free, as they are often covered by the state with minimal fees. Step-parent, relative, and adult adoptions typically cost $1,500 to $2,500. In contrast, private adoptions can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $40,000, and international adoptions usually range from $20,000 to $50,000. Federal tax and state subsidies may offset expenses.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for Adoption?
The cost of a lawyer for adoption varies based on the type of adoption and the specifics of your case. The price for a typical family adoption, for example, may range from $2,000 to $4,000. Hourly rates may range from $200 to $500 per hour, depending on the attorney’s experience and proficiency.
What Disqualifies You From Adopting in NC?
Having a significant criminal record disqualifies individuals from adopting in North Carolina. Additionally, individuals must meet all qualifying requirements. For example, they must be at least 18 years old, and prospective adoptive parents in NC must be residents of the state for at least six months before filing an adoption petition. Other aspects that might disqualify you from adopting include serious health issues, financial difficulties, or a lifestyle deemed unsuitable for adopting.
What Is the Hardest State to Adopt in?
The adoption process varies in difficulty from state to state. California, Maine, Maryland, Ohio, and Rhode Island are known to present more barriers. For instance, California’s county-specific foster care programs can lead to inconsistent adoption practices and standards throughout the state. Maryland’s foster care system prioritizes reuniting children with their biological families, preferring reunification over adoption.
While no state’s adoption process is simple, North Carolina’s process is structured with fewer complex barriers compared to those of other states
Speak With a North Carolina Adoption Lawyer Today
If you are recently facing the prospect of adoption and are looking to secure quality legal assistance, contact our firm today to get started. Our team at Griffin Law, PLLC, can help make this complex process more manageable and comprehensible, guiding you through a new step in life, such as adoption.
