Explore different adoption options (domestic, international, foster care adoption). Learn about eligibility requirements, the adoption process, and costs.
Want to legally adopt your stepchild but the biological father refuses to sign? You’re not stuck. Courts can terminate his parental rights in specific situations, clearing the path for your adoption. Here’s what you need to know about adopting without consent and whether your case has a real shot at success. 4 Ways to Adopt…
Let me tell you something I hear often in my practice: “Is it wrong to place my child for adoption? What does God think about this decision?” These are heavy questions, and if you’re asking them, you’re already showing incredible love for your child. It is not a sin to place your baby for adoption….
When your brother or sister tells you they’re placing their child for adoption, it hits like a punch to the gut. You’re dealing with a whirlwind of emotions – confusion, anger, sadness, maybe even relief. And underneath it all, you’re probably wondering: “What are my rights here? Can I do anything?” The short answer is:…
Yes, adopted children can contest wills, but their legal standing depends on whether they’re challenging their adoptive parents’ will or their biological parents’ will. The rules are different and complex. Discovering you may have inheritance rights after being given up for adoption creates a whirlwind of emotions and legal questions. Thousands of adopted individuals face…
By Emma Thompson, LLB – Family Law Specialist with 15 years experience in Australian adoption law. Emma has guided over 150 families through adoption processes and is accredited with the Law Institute of Victoria’s Family Law Section. To put a child up for adoption in Australia, you must contact your state’s adoption service, receive counselling,…
By Sarah Mitchell, JD – Family Law Attorney specializing in adoption cases for over 12 years. Sarah has successfully guided 200+ families through foster child adoptions and serves on the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys board. Foster child adoption typically takes 9-18 months from your first contact with an agency to finalization in court. However,…
If you’re going through the stepparent adoption process, you’ve probably discovered that witness requirements can make or break your legal proceedings. Getting the wrong person to sign as your witness could delay your adoption for months or even invalidate critical documents entirely. In stepparent adoptions, witnesses must typically be adults (18+ years old) who are…
There’s no upper age limit for birth parents placing a child for adoption, but most private agencies prefer placing children under age 4. For adopting parents, you must be at least 21 in most states. Now, let me break down everything you need to know about age restrictions in adoption, because the details matter when…
The length of time it takes to adopt a foster child can vary widely depending on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the child, the adoptive family, and the legal process in your jurisdiction. Here’s a general breakdown of the timeline for foster child adoption in the United States: 1. Licensing and Approval (3-6…