What to Be Aware of When Adding to Your Family Through Adoption - s post

Many families have another child through adoption. Some cannot physically have another child while others do not have a partner but would like to create or expand their family. Some feel a calling to adopt, and bring in a child that needs a home. Whatever your situation is, here are some things to be aware of when you bring a child into your heart and home through adoption.

Regardless of How You Adopt, Speak with a Professional

Some folks go through an adoption agency. Others seek the opportunity to adopt privately. This involves working directly with the birthparents. No matter what route you seek, having an adoption specialist ensures that you have proper representation should a problem arise. Issues range from:

·       Birth parents changing their mind

·       Adoptions falling through

·       For families that are adopting internationally, problems occur when a country decides to close off adoption to another country, as the couple or individual is working to gain custody of their child-to-be

If you are considering adopting a child, make a point to talk with a lawyer who is experienced in adoption. Your lawyer will help you navigate through the legal process, let you know when to expect delays, and make sure all lose ends are tied up as you welcome a new family member into your home.

Private Adoptions can be Complicated, Regardless of Who You Are Adopting From

Some people think if they are adopting from family members or working closely with a person looking to give their child up for adoption, they don’t need a private adoption attorney. Even if you personally know the individual you are adopting from, it’s best to have your own lawyer involved. They will offer you advice on how to proceed with the adoption, and let you know information such as:

·       The rights of the birth parents

·       If there is a period where the birth parents can reclaim their child

·       The process for changing your child’s name to match yours

Make sure you are protecting yourself and your family’s best interests, regardless of who you work with or how nice they are. Legal situations such as these sometimes bring out the worst in people, as they seek to dominate a legal arrangement. Having your lawyer serve as a third party will keep you from dealing with unnecessary pressure, or being in a situation where things get too heated.

Consider Your Child’s Last Name

Last names are important for individuals of all ages. From women getting married taking their partners name, to picking out a name for new children, a name says a lot about who you are. If you wish to change your child’s name, consider these factors:

·       If you are changing the first, middle, and last name, or all three

·       Your child’s culture and how they can identify with that later

Regardless of who is changing their name and for what reason, there is still a legal process to follow. It involves filling out paperwork and paying a court fee. Individuals must run their name in the newspaper for a specific amount of time. After they have done so, along with the court date they would like their name changed on, and attend a hearing they are usually granted the new name.

If You Are Adopting Outside Your Native Country

Adopting outside of your native country is a scary and confusing process for many parents. They undergo long wait periods and must go through a process of traveling overseas to meet and adopt the child they’re waiting for. Fortunately, there are specialists who are skilled in foreign adoptions aid through completing paperwork and advising their clients on possible changes and challenges that are possible during their adoption journey. Don’t let the thought of leaving the country prevent you from connecting with your newest family member. Learn everything you can about where you are traveling to, and see how your attorney can help you navigate the process.

No matter how you are bringing a new child into your life through adoption, having legal aid that understands the process is a benefit. You can ask questions about how to change your child’s name and find out how the laws differ in other countries. Even if you have questions after the adoption, it is important that you continue to learn what steps to take to make settling in easy for you and your new child. If you take the time to educate yourself about the adoption process, you can make the transition for you and your new family as comfortable as possible.