Sometimes, adoption is the best way to start a family. However, it can be a little more complex from a legal standpoint. If you are considering adopting a child, it may help to become familiar with the steps involved in this process.

The 5 Steps of Adopting a Child

Research Your Options

Everyone’s situation is different, so it will be up to you to determine which resources will benefit you. For instance, will you adopt locally, or are you considering international adoption? You may also want to consider researching financial assistance programs, since the adoption process can become costly. Above all, be sure to familiarize yourself with the adoption laws in your area.

Submit to a Home Study

This can be the most unnerving part of the process, because this is an attempt to determine your fitness as a parent. Home visits will be conducted to ensure the environment is safe and healthy for a child. You will also be asked to submit documentation and undergo various interviews to establish that you will be a good parent.

Accept the Referral

Once you have passed the home study, the process of matching you with a child will begin. In some cases, you may already be working with a birth mother, but often this process involves working with an adoption agency caseworker. In either case, you will receive a referral for a child and, if you choose to accept the referral, the adoption process can move forward.

Complete the Process

At this point, many people find that consulting their family lawyers helps them feel more comfortable with the legal adoption process. There’s a great deal of paperwork involved in completing the adoption, and it can seem a little overwhelming. Obtaining legal advice can help you feel assured that everything has been completed correctly, so legal issues won’t disrupt the process. Depending on your specific situation, there may also be required court appearances, and having legal representation can help hearings move along more smoothly.

Bring Your Child Home

While the legal process may be complete, the job of parenting is just beginning. Often, adopted children have had hard beginnings, so they may need extra attention or special care. Don’t be afraid to turn to community resources for help. Raising an adopted child can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding.

Goddard & Hammontre, LLC is a law firm serving the Whitfield, GA, area. In addition to handling personal injury cases, they also specialize in adoption. If you’re considering adopting a child, consulting their knowledgeable attorneys can help make the process a little easier. Visiting their website will help you learn more about what they can do to help you with your legal needs. Alternatively, call (706) 278-0464 to schedule a consultation.