Adoption

Adoption Law in Cherry Hill, Philadelphia, Princeton, & the Greater Philadelphia Area

Adopting a child can be an exceptionally rewarding process. It gives you the legal ability to complete your family. There are many rules, regulations, laws to follow and court hearings to attend, so it is recommended to hire an experienced adoption lawyer when building your family through adoption. Here’s what you can expect from a great adoption attorney.

Do you need a lawyer for an adoption?

You can adopt a child without an attorney but it is highly recommended to hire an adoption attorney when adopting a new member into your family. Adopting a child is life-changing so you want to make sure you are completing every step of the process correctly. An adoption lawyer will be there to help from the beginning to the very last step. An adoption lawyer can help you select an adoption agency, guide you through the clearance and home study process and file all necessary paperwork. Their main role is to make sure you understand the process, navigate it correctly and are able to finalize your forever family.

What does an adoption lawyer do?

An adoption lawyer supports the adopting family through the entire adoption process. One of the first things an adoption lawyer can help with is finding a reliable adoption agency. Adoption lawyers know and understand adoption so they can recommend a reliable adoption agency based on what is important to your family. You can choose to adopt a child from the agency around the corner or across the country. There are many options and your adoption lawyer will help pick the best one for you. 

Also, your adoption lawyer will know and understand different state laws. They will be able to advise you regarding what you can and can’t do depending on the state. Next, your adoption lawyer can assist in filing paperwork. When it comes to adoption, there are a lot of t’s to be crossed and i’s to be dotted, so it is important to have an adoption lawyer to file all the important paperwork. Additionally, an adoption lawyer can give you advice on all required clearances and what it means to go through a home study. Before you adopt, there are state requirements for fitness and background checks to ensure you are able to care for a child. The clearance and home study process can be intimidating if you do not know what to expect, so it is smart to receive advice from a knowledgeable professional. Lastly, and possibly the most evident, an adoption lawyer can represent you in any court hearings. Depending on the situation, you may need to attend a court hearing. Your adoption lawyer will be there to represent you and make sure the hearing goes smoothly.

If you or a loved one are thinking about adopting a child, please contact Martine, Katz Scanlon & Schimmel, P.A. with offices in Cherry Hill, Philadelphia, and Princeton. Their devoted adoption lawyers will be there for you every step of the way to make sure you are able to bring a perfect new member into your family.