The decision to adopt is an important one that will change the lives of all involved forever. It is not a quick or straightforward process and can take quite a bit of time and patience to complete. While some of the wait cannot be avoided, there are a few things to keep in mind that will make the adoption request and resulting proceedings move as smoothly as possible.
Let’s look at tips to help bring your child home as soon as possible from a South Carolina Adoption Attorney!
- Understand the Different Types of Adoption
Different forms of adoption in South Carolina have different rules and regulations to follow. The first step is to determine the type of adoption you are pursuing:
- Open Adoption
- Closed Adoption
- Private Adoption
- Public Agency Adoption
- Foster to Adopt
- International Adoption
Each adoption type presents its own advantages and drawbacks. For example, closed adoptions will restrict access of biological parents to information about your child as they grow up, but it can also limit the details you can obtain about the parents that might become important. We will discuss that further below, but make sure to get as much information as possible before the adoption is complete. Private adoptions usually move quicker than public agency adoptions, and foster to adopt timelines can vary widely. International adoptions are some of the most complicated and lengthy to pursue.
- Gather Information About the Birth Family
While this ability might be somewhat limited depending upon the type of adoption in question, it is important to gather as much information about the child’s birth family as possible. The most important details are those pertaining to the medical history of the biological parents and their family. This information will help inform your child and their care providers of familial issues that might become a problem such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Do Your Research
Every state has different laws and regulations that impact the adoption process. Take some time to look into what South Carolina law says about the specific type of adoption in question and don’t be afraid to reach out to people who have already gone through the process – they might have valuable advice as you move towards finalizing the adoption that can help make things move smoothly. Don’t leave out information about what happens after your child is at home! Adoption can be a time of happy adjustments that take effort to complete.
It is important that you consult with an adoption attorney in South Carolina to make sure the process is done by the book to avoid future issues. An adoption attorney can assist you throughout the process and help you complete a successful adoption. The primary role of adoption attorneys in the process is to step into the complex legal system that the staff of your adoption agency may not be capable to handle.
The experienced team at Fender Law Firm can help ensure your adoption is as easy as possible. Reach out to us today for a consultation!
