One of the most rewarding experiences for couples or single parents is welcoming a new member to the family. Adoption gives a child a chance to have a better life and enriches the family in numerous other ways as well. Though adopting has many rewards, it can also be a lengthy and frustrating process. If you are considering adoption, it is important to have a skilled family law attorney by your side to guide you through the many complicated steps.
At Momkus LLC, our attorneys have extensive experience with family law and several related practice areas. We have handled many adoptions over the years and we understand the complexities involved in the process. Our team is responsive, compassionate and dedicated to the needs of each client we serve. We also understand that every family situation is unique. We work closely with our clients to ascertain their goals and craft the most practical and effective strategy to accomplish them.
A local adoption in which the child and adoptive parent(s) both reside in Illinois is the easiest to complete. Still, there are several steps that must be followed. First, adoptive parent(s) must obtain a license from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Next, a home study of the adoptive parent(s) is conducted, including a thorough background investigation. If the adoptive parent(s) pass the licensing and background checks, have no severe criminal record and can show financial capability to support the child, they may proceed with the next phase of the adoption. In some cases, this means being matched with a child by the agency they are working with. If they already know which child they intend to adopt (such as with stepparent, foster parent, relative or private "direct placement" adoptions), then they can file a petition to begin the process in the family court.
Adopting a child from out of state or out of the country is more complicated because there are additional laws and treaties governing the process. Interstate adoptions are regulated by the Interstate Compact on Placement of Children (ICPC). This means if you are adopting a child from another state, you must comply with both Illinois law and the adoption laws of the sending state. Our attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of differing state laws to ensure a smoother path to your end goal.
When an adoption is finalized, the child becomes a permanent member of your family. A new birth certificate is issued and the child gains the same rights to your care and property as a natural child would have. For this reason and because it can be a long and arduous process, it should not be undertaken without careful thought and consideration. For a consultation with one of our experienced DuPage county adoption lawyers, contact Momkus LLC today at 630-434-0400. We will sit down with you to fully assess your situation and advise you on the best way forward to fulfilling your goal of welcoming a new member to your family. We provide advice and counsel from our team of skilled and compassionate family law attorneys in DuPage County including Lisle, Naperville, Downers Grove and the surrounding communities.