Adoption laws on newborn or infant adoption involve a complicated legal process. There are different types of adoption services available, each with specific adoption requirements and rules. If you plan to adopt a child, seek legal advice from trusted Orem family law lawyers early on.

 

An Overview of the Adoption Process

An unmarried individual could become a single parent by adopting a baby. A married couple dealing with infertility or unsuccessful pregnancies can choose to adopt as long as both spouses consent. Similarly, LGBT families and same-sex couples (except unmarried cohabitating couples) may also become adoptive families if they meet specific marital requirements.

Aspiring adoptive parents may choose to adopt children through different means. An expectant mother, for instance, may choose to place the baby with a would-be adoptive family. This is referred to as independent private adoption. In such adoption placement, the adopting parents develop a personal relationship with the birth mother (or even the birth father, in some instances).

Privately adopting a baby has certain advantages, but it also requires responsibility and work. One must work very closely with an experienced adoption attorney to prepare the paperwork and fill out adoption forms. In some instances, an adoptive child may also have trouble adjusting if they do not get the required adoption counseling.

 

How Do Adoption Agencies Work?

Given the complexities of the adoption process, those who want to adopt a baby (and birth parents with plans of giving up a baby for adoption) opt to work with an adoption agency instead. Most adoption agencies have several functions, mainly depending on how they are licensed. When searching for an agency, knowledge of the types of services you need for your situation is crucial.

Adoption agencies will usually include an open adoption requirement. This means that adoptive parents must prepare to share contact information with the birth parents of their adopted children after placement. The birth mother would likely determine the frequency and type of post-placement contact.

Adoptive parents are expected to be open to a specific level of contact, ranging from emails, phone calls, texts, or, in some instances, even in-person visits. Such is often seen as highly beneficial to all parties involved in the adoption. However, a seasoned Orem family law attorney can provide more detailed explanations if you have additional questions.

An adoption agency can provide you with an ally (usually the assessor who performed the home study) who can help ensure you have all the resources you need to parent successfully. They can also ensure that adopting parents do not require additional services or have any lingering questions regarding their child’s needs.

 

Advantages of Adopting Children through an Agency

Agencies are organized to facilitate adoptions and be in service of both birth parents and hopeful adoptive parents. An adoption agency can most easily be viewed as an intermediary or middleman in adoptive journeys. While agency adoption is not the cheapest, option assistance and services make adopting a child faster.

Here, the adoptive parent need not worry about scouting acquaintances, distant friends, or even family members and relatives for potential leads. They also do not need to advertise their family or screen potential birth parents themselves. 

Additionally, agency adoption eliminates any unwanted consequences of direct contact between the parties involved, especially before placement. In addition, even without direct contact, adoptive parents can ensure that the would-be birth parent receives the necessary support.

Some parents looking for an adopted child also choose agency adoption to avail of adoption counseling and support provided by the agency to both parties. Some provide financial assistance to would-be birth mothers and financial protection to prospective adoptive parents. Coordination and references to adoption professionals (such as home studies) are also usually covered. 

 

Talk to a Utah Adoption Attorney today!

In some instances, the birth parents will opt for a closed adoption. This is often chosen by a birth mother who does not wish to have any form of contact with her child and the adoptive parents post-placement. For them, this would make it easier for them to move forward.

In an ideal world, a forever family must be given to every child. Learning how to adopt is not an easy task, but it enables children to find a nurturing and loving family. An adoption lawyer can help you with the necessary paperwork. A trusted Utah family law firm can also provide any agency adoption information that you will need to know.

Contact us at Gravis Law to consult with a dedicated Orem family law attorney today.