Adoption is an exciting, yet complex process. Let the legal team at Family Advocates Law Firm guide you through this challenging time.
There are several different types of adoption that you may be considering for your family. There are certain risks and benefits to each, and consulting with an attorney will help you decide which type of adoption is right for you. The services we offer cover the four main types of adoptions in Missouri: (1) Private Agency Adoptions; (2) Independent Adoptions; (3) Stepparent or Second Parent Adoptions; and (4) Adoptions through a public agency or foster care.
Although every situation is different and unique, we will provide an efficient and proactive approach on your adoption.
Private Agency Adoption
There are various private agencies that will help put prospective adoptive parents in touch with birth parents. Most of these agencies charge fees, and it may require some budgeting time to prepare for the cost of a private agency adoption. Once an adoptive parent begins working with a particular agency, the birth parents typically choose the adoptive parents. This process works well because the birth parents wish to relinquish their parental rights and they have an opportunity to meet with the prospective parents prior to placement. There is a lot of freedom in this process, but of course some risk is also involved if the birth parents decide to take a different course of action prior to finalizing the placement.
There are various private agencies that will help put prospective adoptive parents in touch with birth parents. Most of these agencies charge fees, and it may require some budgeting time to prepare for the cost of a private agency adoption. Once an adoptive parent begins working with a particular agency, the birth parents typically choose the adoptive parents. This process works well because the birth parents wish to relinquish their parental rights and they have an opportunity to meet with the prospective parents prior to placement. There is a lot of freedom in this process, but of course some risk is also involved if the birth parents decide to take a different course of action prior to finalizing the placement.
Independent Adoption
This option allows adoptive parents to seek birth parents through several different avenues. At times, the birth parents and adoptive parents may already have a connection that allows for the adoption without the need for an agency. If an agency is not involved, the parties may work closely with a counselor or adoption attorney to facilitate the process. At other times, the adoptive parents may be seeking birth parents while working with an attorney, but do not yet have an established connection with birth parents. This may take more time, but allows the adoptive parents the freedom to arrange for an adoption on their own timeline. The prospective parents remain free to utilize an adoption agency during this process as well, if they prefer additional assistance.
This option allows adoptive parents to seek birth parents through several different avenues. At times, the birth parents and adoptive parents may already have a connection that allows for the adoption without the need for an agency. If an agency is not involved, the parties may work closely with a counselor or adoption attorney to facilitate the process. At other times, the adoptive parents may be seeking birth parents while working with an attorney, but do not yet have an established connection with birth parents. This may take more time, but allows the adoptive parents the freedom to arrange for an adoption on their own timeline. The prospective parents remain free to utilize an adoption agency during this process as well, if they prefer additional assistance.
Stepparent and Second Parent Adoption
Often one biological parent remarries or partners with a non-biological parent and wishes to share the parental rights with the non-biological parent. If the second biological parent consents, is deceased, has relinquished their rights, or has had his/her rights terminated because he or she is unfit, unwilling, or unable to care for the child, the stepparent may begin the process of adoption.
The adoption rights for LGBTQ couples is relatively new nationwide, but Missouri allows for second parent adoptions for the family. In addition, if both parents have adopted a child in any other state, Missouri gives full faith and credit to that family and recognizes the prior judicial order. There are several reasons why second parent adoption may be beneficial for your family, including circumstances where an LGBTQ couple has a child through assisted reproductive technology and only one member of the couple is considered the legal parent of the child. Similar to stepparent adoptions, the second parent adoption grants parental rights to the adopting parent and protects the parent-child relationship. The law in this area can be complex, and speaking with a family law attorney will help you through the process.
Often one biological parent remarries or partners with a non-biological parent and wishes to share the parental rights with the non-biological parent. If the second biological parent consents, is deceased, has relinquished their rights, or has had his/her rights terminated because he or she is unfit, unwilling, or unable to care for the child, the stepparent may begin the process of adoption.
The adoption rights for LGBTQ couples is relatively new nationwide, but Missouri allows for second parent adoptions for the family. In addition, if both parents have adopted a child in any other state, Missouri gives full faith and credit to that family and recognizes the prior judicial order. There are several reasons why second parent adoption may be beneficial for your family, including circumstances where an LGBTQ couple has a child through assisted reproductive technology and only one member of the couple is considered the legal parent of the child. Similar to stepparent adoptions, the second parent adoption grants parental rights to the adopting parent and protects the parent-child relationship. The law in this area can be complex, and speaking with a family law attorney will help you through the process.
Public Agency Adoption
A public agency adoption is overseen by a governmental agency and involves the adoption of a child in foster care. It is common for a public agency adoption to involve the placement of older children. Missouri’s Department of Social Services will assist families with the adoption of foster children, who may be in foster care for several years without the termination of the biological parents’ rights. Depending on the situation, the children may have been abused or neglected and in need of placement in a caring, loving home. The opportunity to extend your family to a child in need offers several benefits, including financial benefits offered by the State to assist in the payment or reimbursement of adoption expenses. The State may also provide subsidies to families to cover expenses such as counseling and tutoring down the road. If you are considering pursuing an adoption with a public agency, we can help you weigh the risks and benefits and guide you through the process.
A public agency adoption is overseen by a governmental agency and involves the adoption of a child in foster care. It is common for a public agency adoption to involve the placement of older children. Missouri’s Department of Social Services will assist families with the adoption of foster children, who may be in foster care for several years without the termination of the biological parents’ rights. Depending on the situation, the children may have been abused or neglected and in need of placement in a caring, loving home. The opportunity to extend your family to a child in need offers several benefits, including financial benefits offered by the State to assist in the payment or reimbursement of adoption expenses. The State may also provide subsidies to families to cover expenses such as counseling and tutoring down the road. If you are considering pursuing an adoption with a public agency, we can help you weigh the risks and benefits and guide you through the process.