We provide personalized attention and experienced guidance throughout the legal process.
Adoption Attorney in Decatur, Illinois
Guiding Families Throughout The Adoption Process in Macon County
Adoption is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in life. Creating or expanding your family has many rewards and benefits for everyone concerned. It can also be a stressful and nerve-wracking journey as you navigate the often-lengthy legal process toward your end goal. At Hawkins Law, P.C., we can assist you through the process, helping you understand each step, preparing and coaching you along the way, and ensuring that it goes as smoothly as possible.
We understand the investment you are making, both financially and emotionally, when you seek to adopt, whether it is through a public or private agency. Our Decatur adoption attorney will work vigorously on your behalf to help simplify the journey, reducing your stress level and keeping you focused on the happy outcome we are all working together to achieve. Our goal is to assist you in reaching the role of a newly-adoptive parent as effectively and efficiently as possible. We also represent biological parents wishing to ensure that the adoption process of their child is done legally and securely.
Adoption Basics in Illinois
Just as many reasons exist to adopt, many types of adoptions can be made. Whether you are married, single, divorced, or in a traditional or same-sex relationship, you can adopt in Illinois. When married, both parties must agree to the adoption unless you have been separated for more than a year. To adopt a child aged 14 or older, the child must agree to the adoption.
Adoptions can include the following:
- Agency adoption.
- Interstate adoption.
- Private adoption.
- Adoption of a foster child.
- Stepparent adoption.
- Adoption of a relative.
- International adoption.
- Co-parent adoption (also known as same-sex adoption).
What are the Adoption Laws in Illinois?
Adoption in Illinois is regulated by law under its Adoption Act. This law lays out the proceedings that you must follow when seeking to adopt as well as the rights of all individuals involved in the process. The adoption process can include interviews with prospective parents, home studies, background checks, the termination of birth parent rights, and more.
What is the Difference Between Open and Closed Adoptions?
Adoptions can be open or closed, and our adoption lawyer in Decatur, IL, can help assist with both.
- A closed adoption is one in which the birth parents and the adoptive parents have no contact.
- Open adoption is one in which the birth parent(s) and the adoptive parent(s) share contact and/or have the option of continuing contact once the adoption is complete.
Contact Our Adoption Lawyer Today
Generally, as a new parent seeking an adoption, you and the child(ren) you wish to adopt will appear in court before a judge when your Petition for adoption is filed. Once the judge approves the Petition, a temporary custody order will be issued on your behalf. When your case is ready to be finalized, our adoption lawyer in Decatur will prepare and present the necessary documentation for the judge, who can then make the adoption permanent. Once the order becomes permanent, the child or adult who has been adopted becomes and remains a legal member of your family.
Contact Hawkins Law, P.C. at F:P:Sub:Phone} today to get started with our adoption attorney in Decatur, Illinois.
Putting Into Place Your Adoption Plan
Our Decatur adoption attorney has been helping individuals and couples go through the legal process to create new families for decades. Whether you wish to adopt an infant through an adoption agency, a foster care child or teen, your stepchild, your nephew, niece, grandchild, or another family member, and whether your plan involves a minor or an adult, we can help. We love what we do and would be happy to provide you with the representation you need to fulfill your adoption dream.
- Decades of Experience
- Personalized Attention
- Stress-Free Environment
- Trustworthy Representation
- Knowledgeable Attorney
