Long Island Adoption Lawyer
Many people are eager to welcome a new child into their family through adoption. But the legal process of adoption can often seem overwhelming. Indeed, some people are not even sure they will be able to adopt or do not know what steps they need to complete to make the adoption legal.
Here at the Law Office of Joshua Adam Kittenplan, P.C., our skilled Long Island adoption lawyers can work with you to help ensure that this process is successful. Adoption should be a time of joy for families. We can help take some of the stress off of you by making sure all of the necessary rules are followed.
How Adoption Works in New York State
Unlike some states, New York does not impose many restrictions on who can adopt or who may adopt. For example, one adult can legally adopt another adult. An adult sibling can adopt a minor sibling. In some cases, a married or emancipated minor can even adopt another minor.
When it comes to adoption, New York law does not discriminate on the basis of marital status or sexual orientation. This means a single, unmarried person can adopt. So can unmarried partners. You can also adopt your partner’s child even if you are not married.
The specific process of adoption will depend on who is handling the process. If the child is under the care of a foster agency or private adoption agency, they must give their consent to the adoption. The biological parents may also arrange for a private placement adoption. If the prospective parents wish to adopt a child from outside of the United States, there are specific procedures that must be followed with respect to international adoption.
In a private placement adoption, the biological parents will typically reach an agreement with the prospective adoptive parents. The adoption may be “open” or “closed.” In an open adoption, the biological parents may maintain some level of contact with the child, while with a closed adoption, the biological and adoptive parents are usually kept unaware of each other’s identities.
Even when all the parties consent–including the child if they are 14 years or older–a Family Court must still approve the adoption. Before a child is placed in an adoptive home, a licensed social worker will perform a home study and make sure the prospective parents are fit to care for the child. This process is not required in cases where a stepparent wishes to adopt a stepchild.
Contact Attorney Joshua Adam Kittenplan Today
Adoption can seem like a stressful process if you have never been through it before. That is why the best place to start is by speaking with an experienced Long Island adoption attorney who can explain how things work and represent you in dealing with the adoption agency, birth parents, and the courts to help make the entire procedure a success. Contact the Law Office of Joshua Adam Kittenplan, P.C., today to schedule a free consultation.
