Chicago Adoption Lawyer
If you can’t have children or just want to help less fortunate children, adoption is the way to go. Adoption is a selfless act that changes the lives of children forever. In Illinois, adoptions usually take place through the Department of Children & Family Services.
When the birth parents have terminated their rights to a child or their rights have been terminated by the court, the child can be adopted. When you choose to adopt a child, you become the child’s legal parent. This means you are given all the rights and responsibilities of a child born to you. You are allowed to make important decisions for your child, including medical care, education, and religion. You become their parent for life.
In Illinois, there are many children waiting to be adopted. They are of all ages and backgrounds. Many have siblings that need adoptive parents as well. Some are special needs children who require a patient parent. Many are currently living with foster families until they can be adopted.
While adoption can be exciting, it is a major decision that only you can make. Are you ready for the adoption journey? If so, you need an advocate on your side throughout the process. Contact a Chicago adoption lawyer from Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC to get started.
Types of Adoptions
Not all adoptions are equal. There are several main types of consider:
- Infant adoptions. Many people want to adopt infants, but there are many requirements involved. First, you have to choose an adoption agency or lawyer. Then you have to become a waiting family. You then have to be chosen by the birth parent. Once you prepare for placement, there’s a lot of paperwork involved.
- Stepparent/family adoptions. Families are formed in many ways, and sometimes you gain a child through marriage. When your new spouse has children from another relationship, you may want to adopt them as your own. There are also family adoptions, in which a child is adopted by a blood relative such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or older sibling. Contact a lawyer to get help with the process.
- Co-parent adoptions. Co-parent adoption primarily occur in same-sex relationships. One partner may have a biological connection to the child, while the other may not. Co-parent adoption allows both partners to have equal rights to the child. This allows you both to make important decisions for the child.
Contact Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC Today
Adoptions can be exciting and joyful experiences, but they come with a lot of hurdles. There is extensive paperwork to deal with, and in some cases, the birth parents may change their mind about the adoption. This can make the process highly emotional.
The knowledgeable lawyers at Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC can guide you through the complex processes. To get started, schedule a consultation with a Chicago adoption lawyer. Call (312) 863-2800 or fill out the online form.
