CLICK HERE FOR A CONSULTATION Laurence J. Brock is a California State Bar Certified Family Law Specialist
Preparing for Adoption in California
The adoption process in California can be difficult to explore for the average person who hasn’t already experienced the process. It’s also an important decision that should never be taken impulsively. You’re going to be a parent, so your ability to give your future children the life they deserve is more important than anything else.
Every state has its own set of local laws, so before you proceed, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the way the legal system will affect your adoption. Going in blindly is a recipe for disaster and can cause sadness and disappointment. When you’re thinking about adopting a child, preparation is key to providing a safe, healthy, loving home.
Preparing Financially
California laws won’t ask for specific financial requirements in this scenario, so you don’t have to worry about being wealthy or having the best job available in your area. The state will, however, need to make sure you’re able to consistently provide a home for your children through the years.
The first step of your preparation should be to examine all your expenses and calculate how they’ll increase after an adoption. The last thing you want is to cripple your finances and go through your savings due to this process, as it would be in your best interests to preserve financial stability in this situation.
Adoption Type
Every adoption process is unique, and there are different ways you can go through it. For example, here are a few options you may have for adoption in California:
- Private Adoption – In this scenario, you’ll interact with the birth family directly without external involvement from an adoption agency. You and your lawyer will finalize this process with you as adopting parent. Parental rights will also be established without the help of an adoption agency.
- Agency Adoption – This may be the most cost-effective and fastest way of adopting a child, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the best option. In this case, you’ll have to coordinate the entire process with an agency that will deal with the foster care system. Your lawyer can help you choose the right agency and take action.
- International Adoption – When a child is adopted from another country, your child may be subject to different laws during the adoption process. Your lawyer can guide you through the different steps you’ll need to take.
In both cases, you’ll be subjected to a home study before you’re considered a good candidate. It will be used to determine your ability to provide a safe and loving home. Keep in mind that you and any adult members of your household will be subjected to a criminal background check. If you were convicted of crimes that involved children, you won’t be able to adopt in the majority of cases.
Know Your Legal Options
When you’re seeking an adoption, it’s not just an emotional or financial situation. It’s also a legal one, and you need to know what to expect before you seek to adopt. For example, you need to know what your rights as an adoptive parent are, how the birth parents will be impacted, and what forms, hearings, and other legal details you need to consider.
That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer about your options for adoption. Your lawyer can guide you through the process, ensuring you have the knowledge you need to take the right steps.
Don’t Ignore Your Loved Ones
It’s easy to let emotions control you but you should never ignore the way your loved ones feel about adoption. Even adopting a stepchild, despite already being a family, can be complicated and difficult in some cases.
If your loved ones are unable to understand your choice, focus on creating a good support network full of people who support you. Interacting with an adoptive parent’s support group can make the difference when you’re doubting yourself.
An Adoption Lawyer Can Help You
The fact that you’ll need to deal with the complexity of the legal system should never stop you from pursuing the happiness you need and deserve. You’re not alone in this fight, and speaking with an adoption lawyer who has your best interests in mind, unlike adoption agencies who are unaware of the intricacies related to family law, will make everything go smoothly.
The Law Office of Laurence J. Brock will protect your rights. Our lawyers will make sure that your new family will start in the best way possible while making sure you’re well prepared for any issues that might take place. Call 909-466-7661 or complete the online contact form to speak with qualified lawyers today.
