Gaston County Adoption Lawyer

Adoption Attorney In Gaston County

The decision to adopt can bring tremendous joy for both the child or children and the adoptive parent(s). An experienced Gaston County adoption lawyer can assist you through the adoption process so you can share all your love and support with your new family member(s) as soon as possible

Attorneys at Kenny & Lowry, P.L.L.C., are skilled family law practitioners who work with families in Gaston County, North Carolina, as they explore adoption options and follow through the associated processes, including independent adoptions and working with adoption agencies.

What Is the Adoption Process in North Carolina?

Understanding each step of the adoption process in North Carolina is helpful whether you are contemplating adoption, have decided to start the process, or have already taken steps toward it. There are several ways you can adopt in North Carolina:

• Adoption of a child in the foster care system
• Private adoption through a licensed state agency
• An independent adoption
• A relative adoption
• A stepparent adoption
• A foreign adoption

Regardless of the adoption type, the formal adoption process typically begins with the filing of a petition for adoption with Gaston County. Once you pay a filing fee determined by the County clerk, you are subject to a criminal background check.

A pre-placement assessment, or a home study, is required when adopting a child through North Carolina’s foster care system. Additionally, some adoption agencies may require a home study as part of their process. Home visits and interviews are conducted to ensure that the petitioner(s) and their home are suitable for the child. Parents who wish to adopt through North Carolina’s foster care system are also recommended to take a TIPS-MAPP course.

Fit to Adopt

Once a petitioner or petitioners are considered fit to adopt, the adoption is finalized, and a final decree of adoption is issued. Any adult, single or married, can submit a petition to adopt a child as long as they can provide a stable home for the child or children they hope to adopt. They should also have the time and, ideally, the support of people around them to raise and care for the child. There are no minimum income requirements to adopt in North Carolina.

For individuals or couples eager to share their love and home with a child, North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), as well as Gaston County’s Department of Social Services (DSS) in Gastonia can connect prospective adoptive parents with children in need of adoption.

Prospective adoptive parents may also work with licensed private adoption agencies as they explore adoption. You should speak with the individual adoption agency to learn more about their requirements for adoption.

How Can a Gaston County Adoption Lawyer Help You?

Working with a Gaston County adoption lawyer can help alleviate the emotional process of adoption. Though the adoption process may seem straightforward, having legal support from a knowledgeable family law attorney in Gaston County can make it simpler to navigate the family court system, especially since judges and clerks are unable to provide legal advice. Some potential aspects of adoption where legal advice may be appropriate include:

• Vetting a private adoption agency and making sure the adoption process satisfies your needs and the legal requirements of Gaston County and North Carolina.
• Ensuring parental rights are appropriately transferred when going through an independent adoption or when adopting a child as a stepparent or a blood relative.
• For independent adoptions, ensuring that any agreements, including monetary arrangements, made between a birth mother and prospective adoptive parents comply with state law and that a biological father has relinquished their parental rights.
• Formalizing interstate adoption or foreign adoptions in North Carolina.

If the adoption process is not completed properly, your rights as an adoptive parent may be challenged. A Gaston County adoption lawyer can provide guidance and support as you navigate the adoption process in North Carolina and allow you to welcome and celebrate the new addition to your family.

FAQs

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

The only legal requirement to adopt a child in North Carolina is that the prospective adoptive parent is an adult. A person who is single or married can adopt a child as long as they can provide a stable home, and have enough time and support to take care of the adopted child. Depending on the type of adoption, courses and additional training may be required to legally adopt.

How Long Does the Adoption Process Take in North Carolina?

The adoption process may take between three and six months from the time you start working with an adoption agency until the final adoption decree is issued. The final timeline will be determined by each agency, and steps like home studies, training, and courses may extend the process. It is also important to take the time to find the right fit for both the prospective parents and the child.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Child in North Carolina?

The cost of adopting a child in North Carolina varies. When adopting through NCDHHS or DSS, the costs may only include the court filing fee for the adoption petition, which is determined by the Gaston County clerk. Some private adoption agencies may also charge a fee for their service. When going through a private adoption, prospective adoptive parents may be able to pay certain expenses for the birth mother.

What Disqualifies You From Adopting in North Carolina?

The results of a criminal background check may disqualify you from adopting in North Carolina. A criminal history of abuse, crimes against children, crimes of violence, and domestic abuse can disqualify a petitioner from adoption. All individuals above the age of 18 and living in the home where the child will live are also subject to a criminal background check. A criminal history in their record may also disqualify the petitioner from adoption in North Carolina.

Contact a Gaston County Adoption Lawyer Today

Working with a Gaston County adoption lawyer can help give you peace of mind and assurance as you work to bring in a new family member to your home. Kenny & Lowry, P.L.L.C. provides legal guidance to North Carolinians in Gaston County who are considering adoption. Our legal team is here to support you and your family at every stage of the process. Schedule a consultation today to speak with one of our family law attorneys.