Faqs About Adopting A Child
Schedule a Consultation TodayBelow are some frequently asked questions about Adopting a Child:
What is the process for filing to adopt a child in North Carolina?
If you are considering adopting a child, an attorney can assist in all facets of the adoption. An adoption proceeding begins when you (the petitioner or person seeking to adopt) file a petition for adoption in the superior court of the county where you or the adoptee lives. In an agency adoption, you may file the document in any county where the agency maintains an office.
Speak to an experienced adoption law attorney at Mills Adoption Law. Adoption is a journey, and we will be there every step of the way.
Do you have to be married to adopt in North Carolina?
No, you do not have to be married to adopt in North Carolina. Some adoption services may require that prospective adoptive parents are married, but no law prevents a single individual from adopting.
However, North Carolina does not allow couples to adopt a child jointly unless they are married. If you and your partner are not married and want to adopt jointly, consider either marriage or adoption in a different state.
The Raleigh, NC, adoption attorneys at Mills Adoption Law can advise you of your options.
What is a home study in a North Carolina adoption?
A home study, or pre-placement assessment, happens as part of nearly every adoption of a minor in North Carolina. A social worker or representative from a licensed agency conducts the home study. The social worker will interview everybody who lives at the residence and perform background checks. The goal is to assess whether you are a suitable adoptive parent.
Adoptions lawyer Bobby Mills has over 35 years of experience helping families grow through adoption.
What are the different types of adoption available in North Carolina?
You have many different adoption options in North Carolina. An experienced adoption lawyer can discuss the appropriate option for you and your family. Generally speaking, the following types of adoptions are available in North Carolina:
- Independent adoption
- Relative adoption
- Agency adoption
- Foreign adoption
- Re-adoption
- Stepparent adoption
Each type of adoption comes with specific requirements and processes. If you need guidance from an attorney when adopting a child, call Mills Adoption Law for your free 15-minute phone consultation. We have over 35 years of experience and put what matters most first: family.
Call us today at (919) 306-2899 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with our adult adoption law firm.
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Professional Associations
Why Should You Choose An Adoption Attorney?
An adoption attorney will:
Provide
We will provide an unbiased explanation of adoption procedures and develop a legally secure plan tailored to your needs.
Assess
We will assess the risks involved, including determining what payments are permissible and ensuring that birth parents are treated fairly and their rights are legally terminated before placement is finalized.
Clarify
We will clarify your options, if any, for post-placement arrangements with birth parents, making sure your interests and those of the child are served.
Explain
We will explain your rights and adoption laws in your state or refer you to attorneys who practice in other states or internationally.
Review
We will review and negotiate the adoption agency contract to protect your interests.
You Should...
Contact
You should contact an attorney as early as possible in the decision-making process.
Learn
Learn about the specific types of adoption services the attorney provides. Ask what percentage of the practice is dedicated to adoption and how many adoption proceedings the attorney has handled.
Choose
Choose an attorney who is experienced in the type of adoption you are considering.
Know
Know what the attorney charges, how fees are structured and that you can afford the services.
Ask
Ask questions, request references, share your concerns and provide the attorney with all relevant documents. Ask for a written retainer agreement that outlines what the attorney charges, how fees are structured and other details regarding fees and fee payment.