If you are considering adoption, let us be the first ones to offer our congratulations!
Here at Self Legal Group, PLLC, we pride ourselves on serving you and your family with whatever family-related situation you may be facing. One of the services we provide often in adoption counseling. We have an excellent team of professional adoption attorneys standing by to help you through the exhausting but rewarding process.
There are a few things that we hope you consider as you and your family embark on this trying and fruitful time.
KEEP IN MIND
1. MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE
Remember that when you are considering fostering a child, this tiny human will have physical, mental, educational, and emotional needs that will have to be met. Depending on the age of the child, the needs will vary. If you and your partner are not ready emotionally or vocationally to support a child at any age, please reconsider adoption before you continue. This includes knowing what’s happening in your immediate future, like job changes, pregnancy, or other big life changes that will not offer the relative stability they will need to adapt and thrive.
2. BE FLEXIBLE
The adoption process can be like a roller coaster — lots of ups and downs. The process is tumultuous and you will experience elation one day and disappointment the next. Know that there are lots of costs and hoops to jump through along the way, and being patient is the best way to deal with the ups and downs. Especially because the paperwork and obstacles along the way will seem endless on certain days, flexibility and optimism will be key in the success of your adoption process.
3. GET INVOLVED
Remember that there are lots of ways to get involved in the adoption community. Not to mention a number of reputable places online where you can find out about the adoption process and the jargon that is used in the community. We suggest that you start considering researching what you can, and then contact us when you are ready to legally start the journey! Not sure where to start on research? Here’s a list of terms and topics that other parents who have gone through the process have found challenging:
- Open adoption
- Adoption home study
- At-risk placement
- Visitation, search, and reunion
- Local state and federal regulations
- Role of courts
- Support services for children and parents
- Children travel requirements
- Immigration status
- Rights and responsibilities of birth versus adoptive parents
This list is not comprehensive, however, it is a good place to start as far as important terms and conditions that you’ll regularly hear in regards to the legal process and your future child.
WHATEVER YOU DECIDE
This is a huge decision that some people believe they’re ready for and then find out it was more than they bargained for. At Self Legal Group, PLLC, we don’t judge our prospective parents if they decide at any point in the process that an adoption is no longer a viable option for them. The resources — emotional, mental, and physical — to undergo adoption are extensive and we provide judgment-free services in which you can safely and honestly talk about your finances and other abilities (or lack thereof) to take care of a smaller human. We take the time to process with you and intend to be your legal support system every step of the way, for as long as you would like us to be.
SELF LEGAL GROUP, PLLC
At Self Legal Group, PLLC, our adoption attorneys are prepared, experienced, and knowledgeable experts to help you navigate the emotional and choppy waters of adopting a child. We specialize in adoption law so that you can have the best experience and be prepared for any surprises that might come your way. Ultimately adopting is a rewarding, worthwhile, enriching, and fulfilling moment in a lot of families' lives — both for the children and the parents. Call today for a fifteen minute consultation to learn more about your options and next steps once you’ve made this big decision.