If you are considering adoption, it is important to do your research and pursue the process thoughtfully and carefully. Individuals can grow their family through adoption in many ways, and there are various adoption types of adoption to consider.
Closed adoption versus open adoption
How much contact there is between the adoptive family and a child’s birth family varies. In a closed adoption, there is generally no contact after the adoption occurs. However, in an open adoption, there is the opportunity for birth parents to be involved in the adoption process.
Agency adoption or independent adoption
Adoptions differ in how an adoptive family is matched with a child.
In an agency adoption, a public or private agency places a child with an adoptive family. In an independent adoption, an adoptive family and a birth family reach an adoption arrangement without third party help. There are also identified adoptions, which are a mix of the two. Generally, in this type of adoption, the adoptive family and the birth family find and connect with each other independently and then turn to an adoption agency to help with the adoption process.
International adoption or domestic adoption
Some families adopt children from the U.S. while others adopt children from other countries. Adopting domestically overall is an easier apporach due to factors such as varying laws between countries. Therefore, international adoptions tend to have an added level of complexity.
Family adoptions
Sometimes, a person seeks to adopt a child they already have a family connection with. Examples include relative adoptions (such as adoption of a child by an aunt, uncle, or grandparent) and stepparent adoptions.
Addressing an adoption‘s unique legal issues
The type of adoption a family pursues can impact the legal issues the adoption process will involve. Family law attorneys can help those families seeking to adopt with addressing the legal issues unique to the adoption they are pursing.
If you are considering adoption, please contact our attorneys. We are here to answer any questions you may have, and we can help you navigate the process.
