Many families choose to adopt children who are looking to be part of a happy home. This can be a thrilling time in people’s lives. However, it can also be complicated. Adoption is often a long process that requires a great deal of time and attention from the parents. It is because of this that parents should retain the services of an experienced attorney to help navigate the process for them. In Pennsylvania, parents can consider several different types of adoptions.
Open and Closed Adoptions
When a child’s birth and adoptive parents do not know each other’s names or contact information, it is known as a closed adoption. Open adoption is when communication exists between the families. This can include sending them pictures or updates of the child and even sometimes visits.
Private Adoptions
Private adoption is one of the most common types. It is when the birth parents voluntarily place their child for adoption. Usually, they also choose the family they place the child with.
Step-Child Adoptions
When the spouse of a child’s legal parent wants to adopt the child, it is known as a step-child adoption. In Pennsylvania, a child can only have two legal parents. In order for a third parent figure to obtain legal rights, another parent either has to be deceased or have their rights terminated.
Adopting a Grandchild
Sometimes, grandparents may be in charge of their grandchildren. This may be if parents have physical or mental limitations, are incarcerated, experience substance abuse, economic hardship, or the child is removed from the home. When this happens, a grandparent may want to obtain all parental rights through adoption.
Domestic and International Adoptions
When a child is born in the United States and adopted by a family who lives in the United States, it is called domestic adoption. International adoption is when a child who was not born in the United States and living in another country is adopted.
Same-Sex Adoptions
While the adoption of a child by same-sex parents is not legal in every state, it is in Pennsylvania.
Foster Parent Adoptions
There are many children who live in foster care before being adopted. Sometimes, foster parents even wish to adopt their foster child. This can happen when the biological parents’ rights are terminated.
Special Needs Adoption
When a child with physical, emotional, or mental disorders/syndromes is adopted, it is known as a special needs adoption. It is important to know that this also covers children who came from a home with a history of abuse, neglect, or were prenatally exposed to drugs and alcohol.
Contact our Firm
If you believe you are ready to begin the adoption process, contact the Law Offices of Ilkhanoff & Silverstein today.
