Adopting a child can be overwhelming, but the end result is well worth the stress of the adoption process. While different counties may have different policies, you should expect to undergo a thorough background check and home inspection before your adoption can proceed in the state of California. The state has also ruled that the adoptive parent must be at least 10 years older than the child involved, but some exceptions can be made when the individual is being adopted by a step parent or a biological relative. While the vast majority of the adoptions that take place in San Diego are child adoptions, adult adoptions can also be a good option in certain situations.
Child Adoptions
The goal of any child adoption is to grow your family and give a child the loving home that they deserve. However, not every child adoption will fit the same mold. Child adoptions come in a variety of packages, including private adoptions, step parent adoptions, international adoptions, and foster care adoptions.
Each of these types of adoptions come with their own unique set of challenges, so it pays to have an experienced San Diego adoption lawyer in your corner if you are planning to adopt a child. To learn more about the options available to you and your family, browse our website or contact the team at Mach Law.
Private Adoptions
Most private adoptions are based on a court order and may or may not be facilitated by an adoption agency. A private adoption can be open or closed, meaning that the kids may or may not have future contact with their biological family. In either case, the court orders involved will state that the children are the sole legal responsibility of their new adoptive parents. However, in some scenarios, ongoing contact with the biological family can be the best option for the children involved. In other scenarios, this can be hurtful to both sides of the family. You will need to carefully assess the situation when deciding on an open or closed adoption.
Step Parent Adoptions
Step parent adoptions are the most common type of adoptions. This require the two parents, a biological parent and a step parent, to be in a registered domestic partnerships or a legal marriage. After the adoption is completed, the step parent will have all of the legal rights and responsibilities that come along with your typical parent/child relationship. This can be a great option for those marrying into a family with young children, especially when the other biological parent is not in the picture.
International Adoptions
International adoptions can be incredibly rewarding, but there is a lot of red tape to get through before the process is finalized. In most countries, the child must be legally classified as an orphan before an international adoption can take place. They also must qualify for a United States immigration visa. The process to do so is highly dependent on the country of origin, but a team of experienced San Diego adoption lawyers such as the team at Mach Law can help you through this process.
Once the child has reached the US, the state of California will perform at least one home visit to check on the child’s new living situation. Parents also typically re-adopt the child following the usual US processes, making the adoption legal internationally as well as in the state of California.
Foster Care Adoptions
Adopting a child can be a huge step forward for many families, but not every adoption will proceed as planned. One of the most volatile types of adoptions is a foster care adoption. In many cases, foster kids are placed in temporary homes for months or even years before the adoption is finalized. Everyone involved wants to do what is best for the children, but many times, each of the parties involved will have different ideas about how they can best serve the child or children. Having an experienced lawyer in your corner can help to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your foster child.
Adult Adoptions
While adult adoptions are not nearly as common as child adoptions, they are not unheard of. In many cases, adult adoptions are step parent adoptions. This can be a useful step to take when setting up your will or medical directives since the adoption will make the adult in question your legal next of kin. The paperwork involved in this is different than that of a minor adoption, but it can easily be taken care of with the help of a San Diego adoption lawyer.
If you have any questions about a child or adult adoption that you would like to pursue, contact Mach Law to set up a consultation. These experienced San Diego adoption lawyers will help you through the paperwork and set you up for a successful adoption.