Adoption allows families to legally bring new loved ones into their family or helps an individual or couple create a family for the first time. The adoption process can be a challenging and intricate process, but it doesn’t have to be with the assistance and support of an experienced adoption attorney. When considering whether or not to proceed with a private adoption, there are a variety of things to consider and understand prior to making any decisions. Educate yourself or discuss your options with a knowledgeable Kansas adoption attorney who can help you consider your options and collectively create an effective adoption plan.
What is a Private Adoption?
Private adoption occurs when a family decides to proceed with an adoption through private individuals rather than using an agency or other means. Relinquishment of parental rights and any other necessary actions occur directly through the birth parents and adoptive parents rather than a third party or agency. An adoption attorney can be helpful in order to ensure all interactions, communications and legalities are properly handled. An adoption attorney is also helpful in private adoption matters that involve bringing a child from another state because such matters are subject to the provisions of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Private Adoption
Adopting a child through private adoption offers both advantages and disadvantages. For instance, the adoptive parents may have more insight as to the background of the child’s parents and background checks, and also more input, control and choice of the parent and child they adopt. Adoptive parents may also be able to bond with the child more quickly if they proceed with a private adoption. Private adoptions usually allow parents to take children home directly from the hospital, which bypasses the foster care stage and alleviates any time the child spends with a third party prior to adoption. The timeline of the adoption process may also be shortened if parents decide to proceed with a private adoption.
On the other hand, there may comparatively be disadvantages in choosing to proceed with a private adoption. Whereas public adoption costs are set at fixed rates and fees are discussed at the outset, unexpected costs may arise in a private adoption if not outlined and solidified in an adoption plan at the outset. Given the nature of the private adoption process, you may also not be able to choose the gender of the child. The amount of stress placed on both sets of parents may increase considering the heightened amount of communication and interaction compared to a public adoption. Adoptive parents are also subjected to laws allowing birth parents the right to change their mind prior to the adoption. Each state has varying laws regarding the amount of time allowed for parents to change their minds, and a knowledgeable Kansas adoption attorney can discuss these with you to further understand applicable laws.
Contact a Kansas Adoption Attorney to Learn More About Private Adoption
Parents who wish to proceed with a private adoption are encouraged to discuss their options and review the process with a qualified adoption attorney. Our law firm has over 40 years of experience and can help you create an adoption plan you are comfortable with so you can proceed successfully. Call a Kansas Adoption Attorney at McDowell Chartered Legal Services today at (316) 633-4322 to see how we can help you get started with your private adoption.