Adoption

Adoption is the process of establishing a legal parent-child relationship between those not biologically related.

It allows the adoptive parents to assume the rights and responsibilities of legal guardians while terminating the rights of biological parents.

Initiating the adoption process is an exciting time for families, and it is essential to ensure that you take the proper steps and protect yourself throughout the process. Discover the various types of adoption below and contact us to schedule a consultation. Our dedicated family attorneys are here to answer any questions you may have.

Different Types of Adoptions

In Maryland, the three primary types of adoption are public agency, private agency, and independent adoptions.

Public Agency Adoptions

Public agency adoptions have a primary focus on adoptions within the United States and usually involve children in foster care for various reasons, including no surviving parents or because they were victims of abuse.

The state-operated agency, the Maryland Department of Human Services, Child Protective Services, handles public agency adoptions. The agency’s primary aim is finding safe, secure, and loving permanent homes for children unable to return to their biological parents or families.

Private Agency Adoptions

Private agency adoptions are the most common and handled by licensed agencies. The agencies may handle adoptions involving infants, children, and kids with special needs.

They work with the birth parents and prospective adoptive parents to locate suitable matches. The finalized adoptions may be open, allowing communication between birth parents and adoptive families, or closed, which means there is no communication, and the court seals the adoption records to prevent access to the public.

Independent Adoptions

Independent or direct placement adoptions result from a direct agreement between the birth and adoptive parents, often without involving an agency. Some prefer the process because it allows for parents to have more control. While private, they still require following family law and receiving court approval for finalization.

Adoptions between family or close relationships, such as stepparents seeking to adopt their spouse’s children, also fall within this category. Regardless of the procedure, an Owings Mills adoption attorney could provide sound guidance, protect the client’s interests, and ensure compliance with the laws.

What Are the State Adoption Requirements?

Those wishing to adopt children using one of the three options in Maryland must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Complete a minimum of 27 hours of pre-service education
• Pass criminal background checks
• Pass in-home safety and sanitation inspections and adoption home study
• Have the ability to support the child financially
• Provide at least three parenting ability references
• Submit to and pass medical examinations to determine the prospective parent’s physical and emotional ability to care for children
• Agreement from the adoptive parents not to use physical punishment to discipline the children

While adopting a child provides endless rewards, the process can be challenging, and many reach out for help. During an appointment, an adoption lawyer in Owings Mills could review each requirement, answer questions, and help determine eligibility.

Speak to a Skilled Adoption Attorney in Owings Mills Today

While adoption is an exciting time for families seeking to expand, the process is time-consuming and, without the help of an experienced legal professional, can often feel overwhelming. While there are specific steps, every case is different, and sometimes additional hurdles to overcome.

A diligent Owings Mills adoption lawyer could work with agencies, gather documentation and evidence, and provide guidance and support. Schedule a consultation and learn more about adopting in Maryland.