What Types of Adoption Are There?

 Posted on February 12, 2019 in Adoption

Adoption is a popular option for many couples and individuals who wish to start a family. More than 135,000 children are adopted in the United States each year. Although it is often said parents who adopt are saving the child’s life, adoption significantly benefits the lives of parents as well. Adoptions vary, including the processes involved. Here is a look at the different types of adoptions so you can determine which is best for you. Whichever method you choose, adoption is a legal process, and you want a skilled adoption lawyer to help you throughout.

Domestic Adoption

These adoptions are those completed entirely within the U.S. There are two ways in which a domestic adoption can be completed: through an agency or private adoption. Agencies facilitate the adoption process and connect prospective parents with potential adoptees. Independent adoptions are often the choice of couples who already know the birth mother or family. 

Foster Care Adoption

A child being adopted within the foster care system has had their biological parents’ rights relinquished by the court. Most foster care system adoptions are completed by the child’s foster parents. These are individuals who have already cared for the child for an extended period of time. Those in foster care are often placed due to neglect, physical abuse, substance abuse, etc. 

International Adoption

Adopting children from another country is fairly common in the U.S. Some decide to adopt internationally because they do not want contact with the birth parents or they want a more predictable waiting time. There are requirements for international adoptions to occur. If you are married, you and your spouse must both be U.S. citizens and you must adopt the child jointly. If you are not married, you must be at least 25 years of age to adopt internationally.

Contact a DuPage County Adoption Attorney

Adoption is a process in which experienced legal assistance is necessary and often mandated by the court. Adoption proceedings involve substantial paperwork, court filings, and organization. The adept attorneys at A. Traub & Associates will handle all of this work so you can focus on preparing for a new addition to your family. If you are considering adoption, contact our Lombard, IL adoption attorneys at 630-426-0196.

Sources:

https://consideringadoption.com/adopting/types-of-adoption

https://adoptionnetwork.com/adoption-statistics