When you adopt a child, you make one of your life’s most rewarding and meaningful decisions. The effect on your and your adoptive child’s lives is tremendous. But many people do not realize the number and variety of hurdles and red tape they must face during adoption. Adoptive parents already face an emotional roller coaster. And that’s before the added stress of long meetings with adoption agencies, exorbitant adoption fees, and more.
Help from a legal professional is essential for a smooth transition into your new life. The San Antonio adoption attorneys at Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, L.L.P. have in-depth knowledge of the adoption process. We will guide you through this life-changing period with ease and professionalism. Contact us at (210) 349-9933 to set up a consultation with a lawyer today.
Adoption Practice Areas
Despite the simple process Hollywood portrays, adoption is far from straightforward. First, you must usually answer various personal questions to prove your fitness to adopt. The subsequent legal proceedings differ based on the specific type of adoption you want.
For example, the process of adopting a stepchild you know is radically different from adopting overseas. Fortunately, the family attorneys at Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, L.L.P. have decades of experience ready to deploy for you. At Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, L.L.P., we handle all kinds of adoption proceedings, from infant to stepchild adoptions.
Adoption situations our firm can handle include the following:
- Infant Adoption
- Step-Child Adoption
- Closed Adoption
- Open Adoption
- Adoption Through an Agency
- International Adoption
- Independent Adoption
Everyone interested in adoption has likely heard horror stories of agreements falling through. The heavily regulated adoption industry can be a cold place for the uninformed or unrepresented. Do not face this process alone. An attorney protects your rights and submits the paperwork correctly and on time. When the tiniest missed detail can sink your hopes of adopting, leave nothing to chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the adoption process take?
If you’re interested in adoption, there are several steps you must take to adopt a child into your family. The process usually differs in length based on the type of adoption and the child’s situation. An attorney can speed up your adoption by handling the particulars of the process and preparing you for the next steps.
The adoption process typically consists of pre-placement, placement, and post-placement. Pre-placement consists of a home study – a series of meetings with a social worker. The social worker determines if your household is suitable for children and if you are a good fit for adoption. Once the home study is complete, the adoption process can be relatively speedy.
Once a child is placed in your home, you must undergo post-placement. This is when the adoption agency supervises you at home for some time before finalization. Families interested in adopting special needs children usually have priority for home studies.
How is adopting a stepchild different from other forms of adoption?
Adoption can come in many forms, and adopting a stepchild can be very different from adopting from an agency. In step-parent adoptions, consent from the other birth parent is necessary. But if a court has terminated the other parent’s parental rights, consent is not required.
It may be difficult to obtain consent from the other parent. And if the other parent is unwilling to consent, it is important to seek legal counsel. A lawyer can prove any of the above requirements for loss of consent. For instance, a parent might have relinquished their rights by failing to make support payments or committing domestic violence.
Why do I need a lawyer to help with my adoption?
At Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, L.L.P., we understand that while you may be very interested in adoption, you may be unfamiliar with the legal side of the process. There are many different ways to adopt a child and many factors to consider. Is your adoption open or closed? Should you work with a public adoption or independent or private agency? Should you adopt internationally?
Our adoption attorneys have years of experience helping families just like yours. We will help you through each step in the process, working to make the adoption as easy as possible for you and your family. We will let you know what it takes to move forward. We are here to protect your rights and the rights of the child you are bringing into your family.
Contact a San Antonio Adoption Attorney For The Help You Need
When considering adoption, the attorneys at Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, L.L.P. are in a good position to guide you through each step of the process. Contact the San Antonio attorneys at Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, L.L.P. today. Call us at (210) 349-9933 and speak with a legal professional. Adoption grants us the opportunity to change lives forever. If you’re embarking on this rewarding but challenging journey, the lawyers at Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, L.L.P. are here to guide the way.