PMCW Law

Adoption can be one of the most life-changing choices a person can make. Many people may say they want to adopt without knowing the full scope of everything that is involved. Our adoption lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks want you to be prepared, so you are not caught off guard when choosing to make the life-changing decision of adopting a child and growing your family this way. If you are looking into the adoption process and would like an experienced adoption attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks to help guide you through this process, call Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, and Welch for your free consultation today at (573) 346-7231. Keep reading for guidance on the adoption process from our Lake of the Ozarks adoption attorneys . The Time Commitment Involved When Choosing to Adopt a Child Choosing to adopt a child is no short term commitment, it's for life. That child is legally your responsibility until they turn 18, and even after they are still a huge part of your life an...

Adoption is the route some couples choose to grow their families, whether it be because they cannot have children or they simply chose to adopt for a number of other reasons. Our adoption lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to tell you what you need to adopt a child. Adoption can be a lengthy process, if you require legal help, give Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, and Welch a call today for your free consultation at 573-346-7231. What You Need to Adopt a Child According to the Missouri Department of Social Services : To be an adoptive parent you must: Be at least 21 years of age Complete a child abuse/neglect check and criminal record check including fingerprints Be in good health, both physically and mentally Have a stable income Be willing to participate in and complete a free training and assessment process Be part of a professional team willing to voice perspectives and concerns Be willing to partner with the child's family Your home assessment, ado...

Adoption can provide families who don't have the ability to expand on their own with the option to grow. Those who choose to adopt are also giving children who may desperately need it, a good home.  Adoption can be such a wonderful thing, but are you absolutely ready for it? It's important to know what you are in store for before deciding to adopt. Our adoption lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few factors to consider before adopting a child. If you ever need legal assistance with the adoption process, call Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, and Welch at 573-346-7231 for a free consultation. 5 Factors to Consider When Adopting a Child 1. Do you fully understand the adoption process? The adoption process can be quite long and require a lot of work. It is not uncommon for it to take years to complete. It is important to understand this and be prepared for it going in. 2. Does your family support your decision to adopt? If they don't, this p...

November is National Adoption Month! There are children and teens out there that are in need of good homes. According to the Adoption Network , 135,000 children are adopted in the U.S. each year and 428,000 are in foster care. Our family law attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to raise awareness about adoption in Missouri in honor of National Adoption Month. Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, and Welch are here to give statistics regarding adoption you should know, information regarding adoption law in Missouri, and information on how we can help you if you are looking to adopt a child or teen. Statistics Regarding Adoption You Should Know Source: Adoption Network Among the 135,000 children who are adopted each year and the 428,000 in foster care: Males outnumber females Over half are over 6 years old More than 60% of children who are in foster care spend 2-5 years and some never get adopted African America children are disproportionately represented In 2015, ove...

While adoption isn't for everyone, for many families it provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to welcome another child into their lives and for a child to become a part of a loving, supportive home she may not otherwise have had. Since adopting a child will change your life forever in inexplicable (and in many unexpected) ways, it is important to give careful consideration to all aspects of the process before deciding to move forward with it. This week, our family attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to help you examine one aspect you will need to consider about the process: closed vs open adoptions. Closed Adoptions When most people think of the adoption process, they think of closed adoptions. In the past, virtually every adoption that took place was a closed adoption. It is only relatively recently that open adoptions have begun to be more common among certain families. While there is a growing trend in the United States away from closed adoptions, thi...

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 obsta...