Adoption can be one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable, both from the perspective of the parent and the child, but it can also be one of the most confusing, harrowing and frustrating. Though most people think about adoption from an emotional standpoint, it is important to also remember that it is the legal establishment of a relationship, and therefore it must be handled meticulously, with great attention to detail at every step along the way. The Philadelphia adoption lawyers at Erik B. Jensen Attorneys at Law have extensive experience in helping families with their adoption needs. If you are looking to adopt, let our Philadelphia adoption lawyer help. Call us today to set up a time for a consultation.

There are many different types of adoptions, and each has a slightly different set of requirements and steps that need to be taken.  For example:

• Kinship adoptions, in which a relative legally assumes the role of parent, does not require a home study. Certain clearances are required, and parental rights need to be terminated.
• Stepparent adoptions, in which a spouse wants to adopt their step child, requires certain clearances, consent from the birth parent and termination of their parental rights.
• Second parent adoptions, in which same sex partners are adopting a child (whether one is biologically related to the child or not), require home studies, clearances, and termination of parental rights of the birth parent where appropriate.
• Identified private adoptions that are facilitated without an adoption agency (such as those involving family and friend referrals) require certain clearances and termination of parental rights of the birth parents.
• Private agency adoptions in which birth parents are matched with adoptive families are generally facilitated by the agency. Parental rights will need to be terminated and the adoption finalized.
• Interstate adoptions where the birth parent resides in Pennsylvania and the child is leaving the state require hospital discharge documents, the filing of documents with the Pennsylvania Interstate compact for the Placement of children office in Harrisburg, termination of parental rights and finalization of the adoption.
• Interstate adoptions where the birth parent is outside of Pennsylvania and the child is entering the state requires participation by an attorney or agency in the sending state to prepare documents and gain approval from the state, as well as a local Philadelphia adoption lawyer to provide termination of parental rights and finalization of adoption.

There are also other types of adoption, including those involving children coming from a foreign country and those being adopted out of the foster care system.  Whatever type of adoption you are contemplating, having legal counsel and representation from a Philadelphia adoption lawyer with extensive experience and knowledge of Pennsylvania adoption law will ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. For information on our services, contact our office today to set up a convenient appointment.

Learn more from our Philadelphia Adoption Lawyer HERE.