How to Adopt a Child in Pennsylvania

Adoption is a blessing for the child, and for the family they are about to become a part of. Before starting the process, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Below, our Lehighton family law attorney outlines the steps involved and the important factors to consider so you can feel better prepared before adding to your family.

Understand the Commitment Involved

Of course, everyone knows that welcoming a new child into the family is a huge commitment. However, adoption does not only require making a commitment to the child, but also to the adoption process.

The process can be long and expensive and when people are not prepared for this, it can make them feel discouraged. Some people even give up before the process is complete. First and foremost, understand the time, effort, and expense involved in the process. If you are willing to make the commitment to the process, then it is time to speak to a Lehighton family law attorney.

Determine the Type of Adoption You Want 

There are many different types of adoption you can pursue, depending on your own circumstances. The main types of adoption are as follows:

• Surrogacy: Surrogacy occurs when a woman agrees to carry a child for a couple or an individual. Also known as gestational adoption, the adoptive parents often provide emotional and financial support for the woman throughout the pregnancy. After the birth, the child is then given to the adoptive parents.
• Domestic: A domestic adoption occurs when the birth mother and the adoptive parents live in the same country. This type of adoption makes it easier for the birth mother and the adoptive parents to have a relationship during the pregnancy and perhaps even after.
• International: International adoptions occur when a child is born in a foreign country and then enters the United States to be adopted. Sometimes, children must be legally adopted in their own country as well as the U.S. While international adoptions are growing in popularity, they are expensive and not always successful.
• Foster care: When a child’s birth parents are unsuitable, the child may be placed into foster care and ultimately, their foster parents may adopt them.

Start the Legal Adoption Process

One of the first steps in the adoption process is to choose an agency and undergo background checks. The agency will also interview you to determine that you are a good fit for adoption. You will also likely have to complete a home study to establish that you can provide a suitable living environment for the child. Depending on the type of adoption you have chosen, this process can take several months to years.

Finalize the Adoption

Birth mothers cannot legally give their consent to the adoption until 72 hours after the child is born. After this time, the birth mother has 30 days to change her mind. After 30 days, the adoption is final and it is very difficult for either party to change their mind.

Our Family Law Attorney in Lehighton Can Guide You Through the Process 

The above steps outline the basics of the adoption process but of course, you may encounter certain challenges along the way. At The Law Office of Kim M. Gillen, P.C., our Lehighton family law attorney can guide you through the process and make it as easy as possible for you and your family. Call us today at 484-613-0011 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

Source:

palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=23&div=0&chapter=27