If you are considering adopting a child, you do not have to navigate the complicated adoption system on your own. In North Carolina, adoption laws are varied and can be quite complex. When you are ready to add to your family via adoption, our Rutherfordton adoption lawyer at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can help. Our team will explain the adoption process from start to finish, along with its related costs.
When our family law team represents you, our goal is to help you complete a successful adoption. To meet that goal, we help you compile and organize the required paperwork, understand and meet state regulations, and ensure compliance with relevant adoption laws. While adoption can take time, our adoption lawyer serving Rutherfordton will work hard to help you complete your adoption easily and without enduring avoidable delays.
In This Article
Benefits of Working with Our Adoption Lawyer in Rutherfordton
If you have decided to adopt, our family law team will help safeguard your parental rights as you grow your family. As part of the adoption experience, you will build a support team of friends and family members. You may also want to consider hiring a lawyer from our team who will:
- Establish your eligibility to adopt in North Carolina
- Help you become familiar with local adoption laws
- Prepare and file all required forms and documents
- Explain what to expect and provide regular updates
- Help you prepare for your home study, if applicable
Not all adoption types will require a home study. If yours does, we will attend with you. If you are adopting a child for whom you were a foster parent, we will help you understand the process of making the transition from foster to adoptive parent. When we represent you, our team also answers any questions you have, explains your rights and responsibilities as an adoptive parent, and represents you throughout the court process.
Our Team Will Explain the State’s Adoption Process
In Rutherfordton, your adoption must comply with North Carolina law, which can be varied, complex, and continually evolving. On your own, it can be difficult to comply with the law, obtain and complete all required forms, and understand the many details of the adoption process. According to North Carolina Judicial Branch guidelines, it involves:
- Filing a petition for adoption
- Filing a special proceeding
- Completing all required forms
- Appearing in adoption court
Under certain circumstances, you may also be required to undergo a thorough and lengthy home study. Additionally, per G.S. § 48-2-501, the court requires a specific report that establishes the adoption as being in the best interest of the child. Our team will help you prepare and submit this important document.
As you move through this and each successive step leading up to the court process, our team makes sure you understand what the state expects. We will accompany you to your adoption hearing and work hard to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible. We will also help you obtain a new birth certificate for your child.
Types of Adoptions in North Carolina
Adoptions occur under various circumstances and for many different reasons. Only you can decide the right type of adoption for your family. In our Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, Rutherfordton office, our adoption lawyer will help with the following types of adoptions:
- Open adoption
- Private adoption
- Relative adoption
- Stepparent adoption
- Grandparent adoption
- Foster parent adoption
Adoptions happen for many reasons; whichever adoption type your case is, our team will help you cement your plans and meet your familial goals. We also help you maintain your family’s privacy and make sure you get the responsive legal support and advocacy you need.
Our Team Will Guide You Through North Carolina’s Adoption Laws
During the adoption process in Rutherfordton, you will seek to establish a legal and parental bond. We can help with every aspect of the legal bond. An adoption creates many legal changes for you and the child you are welcoming into your family. Per G.S. § 48-1-106, once your adoption is complete:
- The parent-child relationship is legally established
- The adopted child has the same rights as a biological child
- The biological parents are relieved of any parental rights
When we work together, we make sure you understand the legal rights and obligations of your newly formed family. Our team makes a point of supporting you from the beginning of your adoption journey until its conclusion. We will also help you understand your eligibility to adopt in accordance with state law.
How We Helped Previous Family Law Clients
We know adoption is a sensitive and personal topic, so we make sure to provide whole-client care that goes above and beyond its legal parameters. Our goal is to ease the road to adoption and to help you build your family as seamlessly as possible. Previous family law clients say:
- “I have known Mark for 4-5 years. He has continually helped our family with family law issues. If this man tells you how to handle a case, you’d better take his advice. His friendly demeanor makes him easy to work with…Super nice guy and good lawyer!” – Casey
- “One thing I can say about Mark Morris is that he doesn’t rest until the job is done. He…helped me with the adoption of my child which was a complex situation involving social services. He was knowledgeable and determined to have the process executed properly so…the adoption would go smoothly.” – Allison
Our team understands the emotional nature of an adoption and the importance of a strong support team. We also understand the importance of having legal support on your side. While you concentrate on building your family, we concentrate on making the adoption process as straightforward and uncomplicated as possible.
Contact Our Team to Get Started Immediately
When you are ready to grow your family via adoption, we are ready to help. Our adoption lawyer and client support team in Rutherfordton are on your side. Call one of our family law team members at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, by calling (828) 286-3866 today.
Call or text 828.286.3866 or complete a Case Evaluation form
