Adoption

At Posey Legal, PC, we find helping families with independent adoptions to be one of the highlights of our legal practice—there is no joy quite like the celebration that comes at the end of a successful adoption. Though the process can be complicated, we can take that stress off your plate so you can focus on the thing that matters most—your family.

What is an independent adoption?

Independent adoptions are adoptions in which the birth parent places the child with an adoptive parent who is known to them, typically without the involvement of an adoption agency. The adoptive parent may be a stepparent, new partner, relative, family friend, etc. The relationship between the adoptive parent(s) and the child will determine the steps needed to complete the process.

Sometimes, an independent adoption is completed to legally recognize and reinforce an existing family relationship, or to establish a second legal parent for a child with only one legal parent. Other adoptions involve the termination of one legal parent’s parental rights and the substitution of a second parent in their place.

Most independent adoptions require a background check. Some require a home study and detailed disclosure of any health issues the child may inherit. If one legal parent’s parental rights will be terminated in the adoption process, that parent must either consent to the termination of their rights or have them terminated by the court after a hearing. Complications may arise if that parent’s whereabouts are unknown, or if they contest the adoption.

When a parental right are terminated, they are no longer required to provide financial support for the child, and the child will not inherit from their former legal parent absent a will specifically naming them as a beneficiary.

Once the necessary steps and paperwork have been completed, the family has the option of participating in an adoption ceremony at the court in which a judge signs the adoption certificate, rendering it official. These are truly the happiest court hearings in which an attorney will ever participate.

Posey Legal, P.C. Assists with Independent Adoptions

Independent adoptions in Oregon require preparing and filing a lot of technical paperwork with the circuit court and managing deadlines. The process can be overwhelming , but Posey Legal, PC is here to help.

Contact us for a consultation. We will explain to you the process and assist you in going forward.