Different Types of Adoption

Adoption is a selfless and rewarding journey that not only benefits the adoptive family but also a child in need of a loving home. There are various types of adoption available in the United States, and the process and requirements for each may differ. In this blog, we will discuss the different types of adoption available in the United States and what is involved in pursuing each. We will cover domestic adoption, international adoption, foster care adoption, open adoption, and explain how the attorneys at Puryear, Newman & Morton, PLLC can help make the process smoother.

What You Need to Know About The Different Types of Adoption

Domestic Adoption

Domestic adoption is the process of adopting a child from within the United States. It involves going through an adoption agency or an adoption attorney, who will assist in matching the adoptive family with a birth mother and help navigate the legal requirements involved in the process.

Before adopting, there may be several requirements to meet, such as background checks and home studies. The adoption may also require a waiting period before the child is placed with the adoptive family. Working with an experienced attorney can help simplify the process for families who want to adopt domestically.

International Adoption

International adoption is the process of adopting a child from another country. Different countries will have varied requirements for adoption, and it is essential to work with an experienced adoption attorney to navigate the legal and cultural differences involved in the process.

Often, agencies may require that the adoptive parents travel to the child's homeland and complete the adoption process there. Due to the complexities of international adoption, it is critical to work with an experienced attorney to ensure that all legal requirements are met.

Foster Care Adoption

Foster care adoption is the process of providing a permanent home for a child who has been in the foster care system. This adoption is often the fastest and most affordable option for families seeking to adopt as the adoption costs are typically much lower than other types of adoption. One of the significant advantages of foster care adoption is the availability of financial assistance for the child’s care post-adoption, which may last until the child turns 18.

The process for foster care adoption is often less restrictive than other types of adoption, but it does require potential adoptive parents to go through training and certification courses.

Open Adoption

An open adoption is a process that involves communication and contact between the adoptive family, the birth mother, and the child. In this type of adoption, the birth mother has the right to select the adoptive family and decide how much contact she wants to have with the child. The adoptive family and the birth mother may communicate through email, phone calls, or in-person visits. An experienced adoption attorney can help families navigate the complex legal requirements involved in open adoption.

How An Experienced Attorney Can Help

Adoption is a life-changing decision that brings immense joy to everyone involved. However, it can also be a complex and challenging process, requiring experienced legal assistance. It’s important to understand the different types of adoption available and the processes involved to make the journey smoother.

At Puryear, Newman & Morton, PLLC, our attorneys have experience handling adoption cases and ensuring that all legal requirements are met, making the adoption process more manageable for families. We are here to help you navigate the different types of adoption to find the best solution for your needs.