Albemarle Adoption Lawyer

Albemarle Adoption Attorney

Adoption is a wonderful way to grow your family, and there are many children in need of families. However, the adoption process can be complicated, and there are a lot of legal requirements prospective parents must navigate. If you are looking to adopt in the Albemarle area, you should consult an Albemarle adoption lawyer to help you achieve that dream.

About Lehnhardt Price Family Law

At Lehnhardt Price Family Law, we are the supportive counsel you need to navigate complex family situations. We are a small firm focusing on family law, and we pride ourselves on being accessible to our clients. When you meet with us, you’ll be talking to your family law attorney in Albemarle, not an assistant who does not know the details of your case.

Just as we are invested in our clients, we are invested in our community because we know that families thrive when they are surrounded by supportive people. We aren’t just your attorneys; we’re your neighbors, too. With combined experience of over three decades, we are the trusted choice in the Albemarle area to help you with your adoption case.

What Is Adoption?

Adoption is a legal term. A decree of adoption establishes a parent-child relationship between the person adopting (called the petitioner) and the person being adopted, or adoptee. When an adoption is finalized, the parent has the same rights and responsibilities as they would if the adoptee were their biological child.

People choose adoption for a multitude of reasons, and every situation is different. Some people adopt relatives due to changes in the family situation. Some stepparents adopt their partner’s children. Others adopt children out of the foster care system, which fills a significant need in our society.

What Is the Process for Adoption in North Carolina?

The process for adoption in North Carolina depends on whether the adoptee is a minor or an adult. Regardless of the adoptee’s age, the first step is to file a petition to adopt in the county where you live or the county where the intended adoptee lives. In Albemarle, you can file your petition at the Stanly County Courthouse. Alternatively, if you are adopting through an agency, you can file the petition in the county where the agency office is.

Depending on your situation, the next step in the process is often a home assessment. A representative will come to your home, observe conditions, and interview you to determine whether you can provide a child with a suitable living and family situation. This step does not apply to adult adoptions. A report will be filed with the court. This report contains the results of the home assessment and includes a recommendation to the court regarding your suitability to adopt. The judge will review this report as the adoption process moves forward.

After a successful home assessment and a favorable report, the court will gather any other relevant information before final approval and issuing a decree of adoption. There may or may not be a courtroom hearing before the adoption is finalized.

What Are the Requirements for Adopting a Child in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the following conditions must be met for an adoption to proceed if the adoptee is a minor:

• The prospective parent or parents must be at least 18 years old.
• The petitioner must pass a criminal background check.
• The parents must be able to demonstrate financial readiness to care for the child.

It is also important to note that the adoption process can represent a significant financial investment. For example, home studies often cost between $2,000 and $3,000. Therefore, access to some allocated funds is a de facto requirement for adoption, as well.

Why Should You Hire an Adoption Lawyer?

The adoption process can be stressful and complicated. Whether you are adopting a relative, a stepchild, or a child from the foster care system, you should hire an adoption lawyer to help you through the legal steps. Your Albemarle adoption attorney can help you file your initial petition, prepare for your home study, and anticipate any potential roadblocks along the way.

FAQs About Albemarle, NC Adoption Law

Do Birth Parents Need to Consent to Adoption in North Carolina?

Yes, birth parents must consent to adoption in North Carolina. For a minor to be eligible for adoption, the birth parents’ parental rights must be legally terminated. Sometimes, the state decides to terminate parental rights in cases of abuse, neglect, or consistent behavior that makes the birth parent unfit. In other cases, such as when a baby is placed for adoption at birth, the birth parents must provide consent to terminate parental rights.   If a parent does not consent, termination of parental rights must be completed before an adoption can be finalized.

How Long Does the Adoption Process Take?

The length of time it takes to finalize an adoption in North Carolina can vary significantly based on several factors. Adult adoptions, relative adoptions, and stepchild adoptions tend to move forward more quickly than agency or foster care adoptions. When adopting a child from foster care, the process commonly takes at least six months from initial petition to finalization.

How Much Does It Cost for a Stepparent to Adopt a Stepchild in North Carolina?

The cost for a stepparent to adopt a stepchild is significantly lower than adopting a child through an agency or from foster care. Since the child is already living in the parents’ home and the relationship is already established, this kind of adoption is a more straightforward legal action.

Can a Birth Parent Change Their Mind?

Yes, it is technically possible for a birth parent to change their mind about consenting to adoption in North Carolina. If the birth parents’ rights are being voluntarily relinquished, not terminated by the court for reasons like abuse or neglect, then they have a seven-day period during which they can revoke consent.

Let Us Help You Grow Your Family

Adoption is a complicated and beautiful thing. The legal process of adoption can be emotional, stressful, and overwhelming, but the compassionate attorneys at Lehnhardt Price Family Law have seen firsthand the profound positive impact it can have on children and families. If you’re ready to begin your adoption journey, contact us for a consultation.