Smithfield Adoption Lawyer

When you’re adopting a child, you want your family’s transition into a new lifestyle to go smoothly. However, all your hard work and planning could be for naught if you don’t have the right legal foundation in place.

North Carolina laws cover a wide range of requirements, including the documents you must file and court appearances you must attend. These statutes are complex, and the court’s procedural rules contain numerous opportunities to make mistakes. Without the help of an experienced Smithfield adoption lawyer, you risk delays in welcoming a new member into your family.

Smithfield family attorney Jonathan Breeden knows his way around state adoption laws. Even an occasion as rewarding as adoption can include pitfalls along the way if you don’t strictly comply with the legal requirements, so it’s critical to have a knowledgeable adoption attorney on your side. Attorney Breeden will assist you in navigating these complicated statutes and rules.

Contact Breeden Law Office at (919) 300-7290 to schedule a case consultation.

North Carolina’s Adoption Statutes

State law details the legal requirements and general process of adoption, while county court rules contain the more specific procedural rules.

Under both sets of regulations, there are specific details and terminology that can be daunting to adoptive parents. Because adoption falls under the category of family law, it’s also very personal. You may get the sense that the statues are prying into your private matters, but they’re intended to protect everyone involved in the process.

You can reduce your concerns and uncertainty by working with a Smithfield adoption lawyer. Adoption attorneys understand complex legal language and definitions, and they know how the laws apply to various scenarios.

Eligibility Requirements

Generally, a person at least 18 years or older is eligible to adopt.There are, however, some exceptions:

• Spouses aren’t allowed to adopt each other
• An unmarried individual can adopt, but two unmarried individuals cannot

There are no limitations on who is eligible to be adopted under North Carolina law, though the consent requirements described below may apply.

Consent

The biological mother of the potential adoptee must consent to adoption, and consent of the child is necessary for adoptees 12 years or older.

The rules regarding the supposed biological father vary depending on the circumstance. Consent is required when the man:

• Is now or was previously married to the mother
• Attempted to marry the mother before the child was born
• Executed documents for an Acknowledgement of Paternity
• Established parentage through a court proceeding
• Has other ties to the child, as specifically defined by state law

There are also consent rules for adoption for married couples if only one of the spouses intends to adopt. The consent of the other spouse must accompany a solo petition for adoption.

If you have questions about consent and eligibility requirements, contact a Smithfield adoption lawyer today for help.

Finalizing Adoption

When you complete the adoption process and enter the necessary court orders, you are the legal parent of the adoptee. You have legal and physical custody, as well as:

• The responsibility to provide for the child’s care, well-being, and financial needs
• The right to make decisions regarding the important elements of raising the child

What You Need to Know About Adoption in NC

North Carolina’s laws cover many different adoption scenarios, so having the help of a Smithfield adoption lawyer is essential. You can trust Jonathan Breeden to navigate the legal process, including filing the proper forms, gathering supporting documents, and attending required court hearings. Still, you may find it useful to know what to expect.

Open or Closed Adoption?

Both adoptive and biological parents may have privacy interests they want to protect. A closed adoption enables the identity of the birth parents to remain confidential, so the child can only access records for medical purposes. In an open adoption, there is free communication between all parents and the child. For many adoptions taking place within the family, an open adoption is appropriate.

Using an Agency

You may choose to go the agency route to connect you with a child in need of a home. There are two types of agency situations you may encounter:

• Public Agencies – These are organizations that are funded by tax dollars and are licensed by the state. Public agencies work with many children of all ages and backgrounds, but limited resources prevent them from providing as much counseling or support as private entities.
• Private Agencies – These agencies usually cost more, but you may find that they can better suit your adoption objectives. Some organizations can match you with a younger child or infant, and even make arrangements before birth. Many private agencies are religious-based, so there may be stricter requirements than apply under North Carolina law.

Independent Adoption

You may opt to take the independent route if you already have some familial or other connection with the child, such as wanting to adopt your stepchild or a sibling. Many people assume the adoption process is easier when you avoid an agency, but the same statutory requirements and rules apply for independent adoptions.

With any type of adoption, errors in the process can be costly and put your family in jeopardy. When you work with a Smithfield adoption lawyer, you’re in a better position to achieve your adoption goals without delays or obstacles. A lawyer can advise you on:

• Relative adoptions
• Adoptions by stepparents
• Special adoption circumstances for same-sex couples
• Termination of biological parents’ rights
• Necessary consent for adoption

NC Adoption Process

The specifics of your adoption are unique to your situation, the potential adoptee, the involvement of an agency, and other factors. In general, there are a few key concepts you should understand.

You must first lay the groundwork before you intend to file for adoption, because proper documentation must support your petition. For example, you’ll need to submit:

• Your pre-placement assessment
• Necessary consent, including that of the biological mother, any child over 12-years-old, and any other individual as required by law
• An affidavit executed by the child’s mother, which provides details on the biological father
• A sworn statement on adoption costs, if you went through an agency
• Disclosures if any necessary parties refused or couldn’t provide consent

Your next step in the adoption process is to file your adoption petition, supporting documents, and filing fees with the proper county court. This may be where you or the adoptive child resides, or where the agency has a legal place of business.

Besides the documents that you already obtained before filing, you’ll also need to include:

• A Certified Copy of Background Information on the adoptive child
• A list of individuals who are entitled to notice of adoption proceedings
• Any other documents under federal or state law

After you submit these documents, the court will schedule a hearing date within 90 days. You must then send notice of the proceedings to those individuals whose consent you couldn’t obtain when filing. If there are no disputes and you’ve provided all the necessary information, the court hearing will be a formality to finalize the adoption.

If anyone with legal standing contests the proceedings, you may need to go through a trial-like hearing.