Whether you hope to adopt a child or you are a prospective birth parent, it is helpful to understand how the adoption process works. This can be an exciting time, but the process can also be stressful without legal guidance. Our dedicated team at Addair Law could guide you through the adoption process, helping you find a solution that works for your family. Contact a Junction City adoption lawyer to learn more.
The laws of the state offer few limitations on the right to adopt. There are no restrictions based on whether a familial relationship exists or not. The primary requirement is that a person must be an adult in order to adopt.
Single individuals and married couples are both able to adopt under state law. The only major exception is that one spouse cannot adopt without the consent of the other. A stepparent could also adopt their spouse’s child to legally gain parenting rights.
It is important to note that state laws are not the only factor in adoption in some cases. Adoption agencies may have their own standards that go above and beyond what is required under the law. It is essential to work with a knowledgeable adoption attorney who understands the intricacies of local adoption laws and agency restrictions.
An important aspect of adoption is whether the birth parents will maintain contact with the adoptive family and child after the adoption is finalized. While an open adoption provides for communication between the parties, a closed adoption does not. In a closed adoption, all records that identify the birth or adoptive parents are sealed.
Open adoptions can include different types of contact between the parties, such as emails, visits, letters, and more. Those considering an open adoption are well-advised to consult with a legal professional, as there is no law in place that makes post-adoption contact agreements enforceable. A Junction City attorney can ensure that the best interests of all parties are protected after the adoption process is finalized.
There are different rules that apply to adopting a child in foster care. In general, the goal of the foster system is to reunite children with their biological families. When that is not possible, foster adoption could be an option. However, a person must be at least 21 years of age in order to adopt a minor in the foster care system. There are also mandatory background checks and training courses to consider. A Junction City adoption attorney could assist with this process.
Although adoption most commonly involves minor children, any person could be adopted under state law– even an adult. Under the law, adult adoption is only limited when the person is legally married. Even then, it is lawful to adopt a married adult if their spouse consents.
There are other consent issues outside of adult adoption. In some cases, a child must give their consent as well. Any child that is 14 years or older must consent to the adoption in order for it to be accepted by the court. The primary exception is in cases where the child is not of sound intellect. The consent of children under the age of 14 is not required under the law, although some judges will seek it on their own.
If you are looking to grow your family through adoption, do so with a dedicated legal professional by your side. A Junction City adoption lawyer could provide you with the resources and guidance you need during this life-changing time. Our team at Addair Law is ready to help, so call today to get started.
