Understanding the Adoption Process

Adoption Lawyer

Every family’s needs are different when it comes to adoption. As an adoption lawyer from Taylor Law & Mediation PLLC will explain, each adoption is unique, usually falling into one of many adoption types. The differences between each category of adoption account for various scenarios common to adoption. The central idea behind the system is to benefit the adoptive parents and the adopted through appropriate measures taken within the processes that are unique to each case. 

• Private adoption
• Agency adoption
• Relation adoption
• Standby adoption
• Adoption of an adult

Adoption Eligibility

After a review of your case, our adoption lawyer can determine if you are eligible to adopt the individual of your choice, and whether that person is eligible to be adopted. For example, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You are not legally disabled.
• You can prove that you have resided in the State of Illinois for at least the last six consecutive months.
• You are over the age of 18. (There are some exceptions to this.)
• If you are married, your spouse must also meet all of the eligibility criteria for adoption. (The exception is if you have separated from your spouse and have lived apart from your spouse for more than one year’s time.)
• If you are not related to the adoptee, you must submit to being fingerprinted and undergo a criminal background check. If you have a criminal record, check with our adoption lawyer in Lake Forest, IL to learn if the convictions may have any bearing on the adoption process.
• If the child is over the age of 14, they must consent to the adoption process and you as the adoptee.

There are additional criteria as well that can be explained more in depth by your adoption lawyer.

Eligibility of a person to be adopted is usually approved if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

• They are a child who was surrendered to an adoption agency.
• They are a child who was placed by their biological parents into the custody of the parents who wish to adopt that child.
• They are a child whose adoption was approved by a court recognized authority.
• They are an adult who has lived with the prospective adoptive parents for a period of more than two years.

Adoption is an exciting experience families can go through, but it can also be extremely nerve wracking and stressful. By working with an adoption, navigate the process with dedicated lawyers who will work on your behalf will help ensure the process of adoption will go as smoothly as possible.