Orland Park Adoption Lawyer

Attorneys Assisting With Step-Parent, Related, and Independent Adoptions in Mokena, Homer Glen and Will County

Adopting a child is a joyous event, allowing parents to provide a loving home to a child who needs it. However, the procedures that must be followed during adoption can be very complicated, and as prospective parents work to reach the end of this process, they may feel like they are struggling to survive an avalanche of paperwork, legal obstacles, and emotional concerns. With representation from a skilled attorney, families can be prepared for all eventualities and ensure that the process moves as smoothly as possible.

The family law attorneys of Wakenight & Associates, P.C. have a combined total of more than 95 years of legal experience. During the adoption process, we will work with you to address your concerns and overcome any legal issues that may arise, ensuring that your family has the tools for success that you need.

Types of Adoption Cases

When a parent or couple adopts a child, they will become the child's legal parent, and the parental rights of one or both of the biological parents will be terminated. Adoptions can take a variety of different forms, including:

• Private adoptions - An agreement may be made directly between a child's biological parents and the adoptive parents in which the birth parents will give up their parental rights and allow the adoptive parents to be named as the child's legal parents. These agreements may allow a birth parent to continue to have a relationship with the child after the adoption.
• Agency adoptions - Parents may use a public or private adoption agency to facilitate an adoption, or parents who have served as foster parents through DCFS may be able to legally adopt a child that is in their care. Legal representation is often necessary in these cases, especially if one or both of the birth parents contest the adoption.
• International adoptions - In order to adopt a child from a foreign country, parents must follow specific legal procedures defined by that country, and an attorney can ensure that all requirements are met properly during this process.
• Step-parent adoptions - A person may choose to adopt their spouse's child, which will give them the same parental rights as if they were the child's biological parent. If the couple chooses to divorce in the future, the adoptive step-parent will have the right to share parental responsibilities and parenting time, and both parents will be required to provide child support.
• Related adoptions - In some cases, a child is left in the care of family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins. These family members may choose to adopt the child and gain the full rights that come with being a child's legal parent.
• Adult adoptions - A parent may choose to adopt someone who is over the age of 18, such as a step-child or the spouse of their child, in order to ensure that this person will receive an inheritance or other benefits. Adult adoptions may also allow a person to provide for a loved who is disabled or has special needs.

Contact a Mokena Adoption Attorney

At Wakenight & Associates, P.C., we provided dedicated representation for families seeking to complete the adoption process. To learn more about how we can help you meet your legal requirements for becoming an adoptive parent, contact our office at 815-727-6144 to arrange a free initial consultation. We provide legal help in adoption cases in Orland Park, Tinley Park, New Lenox, Orland Hills, Frankfort, Oak Forest, Lockport, Homer Glen, Joliet, and Will County.