If you're looking to make a difference in a child's life, guardianship and adoption are two avenues you can take. However, while each provides a way for you to support and care for a little one, they differ under family law. To determine which option is right for your family, learn more below.

What Are the Similarities Between Guardianship & Adoption?

Both guardianship and adoption provide stable environments for children. Before being granted custody, a family law attorney will conduct a thorough evaluation of your home to ensure you can meet the child's needs. Once they determine the home is a good fit, the attorney will sign over the responsibility of caring for the child. This gives both legal guardians and adoptive parents the right to make educational, medical, and general welfare decisions.

What Are the Differences?

Guardianship is a temporary solution, in which a birth parent chooses who will care for their children if they're no longer able to provide the necessary support. The parents maintain full rights to their children and can terminate the agreement at any time. Additionally, when kids remain with their new family, custody only lasts until they're 18 years old. At that point, they can decide to either continue living in the home or move out on their own.

Adoption is much more permanent, dissolving the biological parents' rights and establishing full custody to the adoptive parents. Unless specified in the adoption agreement, family law dictates that the parents have no obligation to pay child support or keep up with visitations. While this situation requires a lengthy legal process, adoption provides complete inheritance rights and eliminates the need for making special provisions in a will.

If you’re beginning to plan for the future, reach out to Fulcher Law Firm in Albemarle, NC. The lawyer at this full-service firm has more than 20 years of experience in family law, personal injury, and criminal justice. They have extensive knowledge of the legal system and will ensure you receive the timely guidance you seek. With 24/7 access and a personal, hands-on approach, they’re happy to help clients throughout Montgomery and Stanly counties. Call (704) 984-6060 to schedule an appointment today, or visit their website to learn more about their services.