Thinking About Adoption? 4 Tips To Help You Prepare
Adding to your family is a big step, and one that should not be undertaken lightly. By choosing to adopt, you face an entirely different set of tasks, challenges, and joys than if you chose to have a child biologically. While the decision to adopt is a familial one, it is important to recognize that adoption is a complex legal process with specific procedures and guidelines that must be followed.
If you are considering adopting a new child into your home, it is important that you dedicate adequate time to considering the various factors involved in the process. Here is a quick overview of the types of things you will need to think about, courtesy of the Law Offices Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
1. Prepare To Be Patient.
Even when everything goes smoothly, the adoption process is often long and easily convoluted. Domestic adoptions generally take several months to a year, and international adoptions can take much longer. Be prepared for unexpected obstacles to arise. By being fully aware that adoption is often a long and complex process, you'll be better prepared to cope with the challenges that may present.
2. The Cost Varies... Dramatically
Depending on the type of adoption method you choose, you may be required to pay next to nothing or several thousand dollars. Private adoptions and international adoptions are typically very expensive, sometimes up to $40,000 or more. If you choose the foster-to-adopt method, however, you may be able to get by with having to provide very little out of pocket. You may also be able to collect a stipend from the State while the child is still considered to be in foster care.
3. The Type of Adoption You Wish To Pursue
Just as you can choose whether you wish to pursue a domestic or international adoption, you can decide whether you wish for your adoption to be open or closed. If you have an open adoption, you will likely have some level of communication directly with the birth parent(s) prior to adopting the child. You may agree to stay in contact with the birth parents and, in some cases, possibly even arrange some sort of intermittent visitation schedule. The alternative is a closed adoption, where you won't have any direct contact with the birth parents. The adoption records will be sealed, and there will not be an easy way to contact the child's birth parents.
4. The Adoption Process Is Only One Piece Of The Puzzle
As you prepare to begin the process, the legal work of adopting a child may seem like your one and only focus. While it's important to jump through all of the legal hoops involved in adopting a child, these legalities are not the only type of preparation you'll need to do. As you prepare to welcome a new child into your home, it's important to educate yourself on the world of parenting so that you will be at least somewhat prepared for the challenges that may present once your new child is officially in your home.
Contact PMCW Law For Assistance
Adoption is a complex process from both an emotional as well as legal perspective. If you are thinking about adopting a child at the Lake of the Ozarks, consider reaching out to our family law firm in Camdenton MO. We have experience aiding families with adoption and would be happy to assist you however we can. For more information, visit our website at www.pmcwlaw.com.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.
Like Us on Facebook
If you are considering adopting a new child into your home, it is important that you dedicate adequate time to considering the various factors involved in the process. Here is a quick overview of the types of things you will need to think about, courtesy of the Law Offices Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
1. Prepare To Be Patient.
Even when everything goes smoothly, the adoption process is often long and easily convoluted. Domestic adoptions generally take several months to a year, and international adoptions can take much longer. Be prepared for unexpected obstacles to arise. By being fully aware that adoption is often a long and complex process, you'll be better prepared to cope with the challenges that may present.
2. The Cost Varies... Dramatically
Depending on the type of adoption method you choose, you may be required to pay next to nothing or several thousand dollars. Private adoptions and international adoptions are typically very expensive, sometimes up to $40,000 or more. If you choose the foster-to-adopt method, however, you may be able to get by with having to provide very little out of pocket. You may also be able to collect a stipend from the State while the child is still considered to be in foster care.
3. The Type of Adoption You Wish To Pursue
Just as you can choose whether you wish to pursue a domestic or international adoption, you can decide whether you wish for your adoption to be open or closed. If you have an open adoption, you will likely have some level of communication directly with the birth parent(s) prior to adopting the child. You may agree to stay in contact with the birth parents and, in some cases, possibly even arrange some sort of intermittent visitation schedule. The alternative is a closed adoption, where you won't have any direct contact with the birth parents. The adoption records will be sealed, and there will not be an easy way to contact the child's birth parents.
4. The Adoption Process Is Only One Piece Of The Puzzle
As you prepare to begin the process, the legal work of adopting a child may seem like your one and only focus. While it's important to jump through all of the legal hoops involved in adopting a child, these legalities are not the only type of preparation you'll need to do. As you prepare to welcome a new child into your home, it's important to educate yourself on the world of parenting so that you will be at least somewhat prepared for the challenges that may present once your new child is officially in your home.
Contact PMCW Law For Assistance
Adoption is a complex process from both an emotional as well as legal perspective. If you are thinking about adopting a child at the Lake of the Ozarks, consider reaching out to our family law firm in Camdenton MO. We have experience aiding families with adoption and would be happy to assist you however we can. For more information, visit our website at www.pmcwlaw.com.
Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
85 Court Circle N.W., P.O. Box 559
Camdenton, MO 65020 GET A MAP
(573) 346-7231 - Telephone
(888) 236-2485 - Toll Free
(573) 346-4411 - Fax
Comments
Post a Comment