What To Discuss in an Adoption Consultation
5 Questions to ask your attorney
Many of my clients obtain temporary emergency custody of a relative’s child and when it becomes clear that the biological parents are not willing or able to regain custody, they begin contemplating Adoption. Consulting with an adoption attorney is a crucial step in the adoption process. Here are some important questions potential clients should ask during a consultation with an adoption attorney:
1. What Types of Adoption Services Do You Provide and what is Your Experience with Each?
Determine the attorney’s expertise and experience in handling various types of adoptions. There are many differences between adoptions that arise from dependency and neglect/foster care, and domestic, international, agency, independent, or stepparent.
2. What Are the Legal Requirements and Processes Involved in Adoption?
Gain an understanding of the legal requirements, paperwork, and procedures involved in the adoption process, including termination of parental rights, home studies, background checks, consent forms, legal filings, and court appearances.
3. What Are the Rights and Responsibilities of Adoptive Parents?
Clarify the rights and responsibilities of adoptive parents before, during, and after the adoption process, including visitation agreements, and post-adoption contact agreements.
4. How Do You Handle Birth Parent Rights and Consent?
Discuss how the attorney ensures compliance with birth parent rights and consent laws, including birth parent counseling, voluntary relinquishment, revocation periods, and contested adoptions.
Also discuss the options of consent adoptions, surrenders, or waivers of interest and if they may apply to your case.
5. What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Adoption?
Understand the attorney’s fee structure, including retainer fees, hourly rates, and additional expenses such as court fees, agency fees, birth parent expenses, and travel costs for international adoptions.
