If you’re adopting a child, you know it involves numerous legal details that must be handled effectively. Hiring an experienced Virginia Beach adoption lawyer is essential for managing legal issues and simplifying the process.
Our attorneys ensure your adoption complies with relevant state and federal regulations, including paperwork, timelines, and court requirements, to proceed smoothly.
At Melone Hatley, P.C., we offer unmatched legal expertise with over 200 years of combined experience in all aspects of adoption. Our client-centered approach means you will receive personalized support from a dedicated team of professionals who prioritize your family’s needs every step of the way.
Schedule a free consultation with a Client Services Coordinator today to learn how our Virginia Beach family lawyers can help.
Types of Adoption Our Virginia Beach Lawyers Frequently Handle
Our skilled legal team guides you through every step of the adoption type you choose. The most common types of adoption include:
- Parental placement adoption
- Agency adoption
- Foster parent adoption
- International adoption
Parental Placement Adoption
In parental placement adoption, the birth parents directly choose the adoptive parents. They can select a couple or an individual to take on the role of adoptive parent for their child. These situations can become complicated, particularly if both parents do not provide consent.
If the biological father is unidentified or difficult to locate, specific procedures, such as public notices and outreach, must be followed to make a good-faith effort to locate him and obtain his consent before finalizing the adoption.
A knowledgeable adoption attorney serving Virginia Beach will help ensure that all legal requirements are fulfilled to reduce the risk of challenges to the adoption.
Agency Adoption
Agency adoption involves working with a licensed agency that acts as an intermediary between the prospective adoptive parents and the child’s birth parents. The agency may also assist in placing children who have been abandoned, neglected, or abused.
The agency will conduct a home study to verify that the adoptive parents’ home is safe and suitable for the child. Typically, the parental rights of the biological parents must be terminated before the adoption can go forward.
In some cases, the court issues an interlocutory order granting parental rights to the adoptive parents for a six-month probationary period. Generally, this order is finalized after the probation ends. If the order is not confirmed, our adoption lawyers serving Virginia Beach will help you navigate any issues that arise.
Foster-Parent Adoption
Foster-parent adoption is similar to agency adoption in many ways. However, In foster-parent adoption, you have already formed a bond with the child after caring for them, which differentiates this type from others.
While social services and the foster care system aim to reunite children with their birth parents whenever possible, this is not always feasible. If the relationship between the birth parents and the child does not improve sufficiently for a safe reunion, parental rights may be terminated, allowing for adoption.
If you are a foster parent looking to adopt your foster child, an experienced adoption attorney in Virginia Beach can help you understand all legal requirements and guide you through the adoption process.
International Adoption
Many individuals choose to adopt children from other countries. This process is a type of agency adoption that involves working with organizations specifically licensed to handle international adoptions.
International adoptions can be the most complex from a legal perspective, as they require compliance with state laws, federal regulations, and the laws of the child’s country of origin.
You will face both immigration and adoption laws since the child you are adopting is not a U.S. citizen. After securing a foreign adoption order and obtaining a visa for the child to enter the U.S., re-adopting your child in your home state provides additional legal recognition, which ensures compliance and secures your parental rights. An experienced adoption attorney from our firm will assist you with these challenging legal matters.
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Legal Requirements in Adoption Proceedings
During the adoption process, all parties involved will receive counseling about alternative options. The court’s goal is to protect everyone and ensure that no one enters into an adoption agreement under coercion or undue pressure.
Before finalizing the adoption, a home study will be conducted for the adopting party, who must also provide various personal details, including:
- Background checks
- An autobiographical statement
- Health information
- References
- Financial details
Additionally, the law restricts financial compensation related to adoption, allowing only the reimbursement of specific expenses incurred in connection with the adoption.
Our adoption attorneys in Virginia Beach have a comprehensive understanding of these legal requirements and will work to ensure that everything is handled in accordance with the law, making the process as smooth as possible.
The Importance of Cooperation from Both Birth Parents
When adopting a child, whether directly or through an agency, the cooperation of both biological parents can be crucial. The adoption process can face significant hurdles without the cooperation of both biological parents.
Our experienced adoption lawyers will help safeguard your interests against a birth parent who may reconsider their decision to place the child for adoption. Your lawyer can prepare the required legal documents to terminate the parental rights of the birth parents.
Furthermore, they can help protect you from any claims of parental rights by an unidentified or unknown birth father in the future.
Seek Assistance from an Experienced Adoption Attorney in Virginia Beach
If you are looking to adopt a child or are considering placing a child for adoption, it is vital to have a clear understanding of the legal process and your rights. At Melone Hatley, P.C., we are prepared to assist you with any adoption matters, whether you are a parent placing a child for adoption or seeking to welcome a new child into your family.
Contact us today by phone or through our online form to schedule a free case review. You can also explore our client testimonials to gain insight into the quality of service we provide to our clients.
