These are frequent client questions. Please browse through them. Click next at the bottom of the page to see more. Or if you wish, enter a word in the search box, then click the Search button. Results of the search will be shown, with the word highlighted.

Do I need a family lawyer?

The decision to hire a family lawyer is a personal one. However, since many of the issues surrounding divorce, child custody, child support, and adoption are complicated, it may be helpful to have the advice of an experienced family law attorney.

What Type of Adoption is Right for You?

There are five main types of adoption: agency adoption, independent adoption, identified adoption, relative adoption, and international adoption.

Agency adoption refers to the adoption of a child through a private or public agency. Private agencies that offer adoptions are usually run by charities or social service agencies and generally place children who have been brought to them by the biological parents. Public agencies that offer adoptions are run by the state and generally place children who have become wards of the state.

Independent adoption refers to the adoption of a child without the help of an agency. Independent adoptions can be arranged with an agreement between the adoptive parent and the biological parent(s). Other independent adoptions may involve an intermediary such as a doctor or clergyperson. In either case, an attorney's assistance is usually required. Most states - except for Connecticut, Delaware, and Massachusetts - offer independent adoption.

Identified adoption can occur when the adoptive parent locates the birthmother of the child and then turns the adoption process over to an adoption agency. This allows the adoptive parent to find a mother who wants to give up her child and avoid the waiting lists at an agency.

Relative adoption refers to the adoption of a child by an adult who is related to the child by blood or marriage. The most common type of relative adoption is stepparent adoption. Grandparents can also adopt their grandchildren if the child's parents pass away.

International adoption refers to the adoption of a child from a foreign country. International adoptions are more complicated than domestic adoptions in that adoption guidelines for both countries must be fulfilled. In addition, an immigrant visa must be obtained from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and the adoptive parent must apply for U.S. citizenship for the child.

If you or someone you love is interested in adopting a child, you may want to contact a family law attorney for more information.