Gibbons Law Firm: Adopt a Child in mid MO

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Trial Process for an Adoption

The adoption process can feel rather tricky, especially if it’s your first time. From learning about the parental rights of the birth parents and the adoptive parents, how to work with other agents appointed by the state, and more. If you are looking for an adoption lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, Gibbons Law Firm would be honored to assist you with your upcoming adoption! Obviously the topic of adoption is very in-depth, case specific, and can happen in a number of different ways, however, there are a few things you can know about the official date of adoption that may help prepare you. We're also covering why an adoption lawyer can be so important to the process and the outcome.

Adoption Finalization in Missouri

The finalization usually occurs about six months after placement and will involve a court hearing where the judge overlooks the adoption paperwork and asks questions to determine whether the adoption is in the best interest of the child. Gibbons Law Firm can represent you as adoptive parents through the final step in your journey. From gathering paperwork, setting up the court hearing, and then being there to assist with the hearing. Here are a few things you can expect to see at the hearing:

Your attorney will ask you, as the parents to introduce yourself, and will provide a brief testimony to verify that this adoption should take place.
The attorney will ask the family to confirm for the judge that they intend to provide for the child. The judge may also ask the family some friendly questions, and invite photos to be taken.
When the hearing is complete, the judge will sign the decree of adoption, as well as the other papers associated with the adoption. This could include an order approving payment of living expenses to the birth mother or terminating an alleged father’s parental rights.

When the adoption is finalized, there will be an issuance of a new birth certificate.

Why Do You Need an Adoption Lawyer?

And adoption lawyer is a huge asset if you are trying to gain legal guardianship of a child who is not biologically yours. We can help file any necessary paperwork and can represent you in a court if necessary.

How Do You Know If You Need a Lawyer?

If you have never gone through adoption, or have any questions about the process, you will want to make use of an adoption lawyer as you begin the process. We will be knowledgable on the state and country-specific adoption laws and can provide the guidance that you need specific to your situation. We can also prepare you for the hearings that may be required, the MO home study, and be there to support you through any legal complications.

Family Law at the Lake of the Ozarks

Family law deals with issues arising from marriage and other domestic relationships. The cases give rise to matters that include divorce, legal separation, division of assets and liabilities, spousal support, child custody, child support, and other matters. Yet other related aspects of family law include adoptions, annulments, guardianships, paternity cases, termination of parental rights, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

Gibbons Law Firm assists clients with all types of family law cases. We are committed to providing legal counseling and advice that clients need in such disputes. Find out more about how we can assist you by contacting our Firm and making an appointment today.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Friday, November 9, 2018

The Difference Between an Agency Adoption and an Independent Adoption

In honor of National Adoption Awareness Month (November), this week's blog is going to be all about adoption. Adopting a child near the Lake of the Ozarks is a big decision. While adoption can be a lengthy process, our Lake Ozark law firm is here to help guide you through the process. If you are thinking about adopting a child, take a look below to learn about two common types of adoption.

Agency Adoption:

Birth parents surrender child to agency, which later places child with adoptive parents.
The adoption agency serves as the intermediary.
Birth parents often do not know the identity of adoptive parents and may not have any biographical information about them. Agency maintains anonymity.
Birth parents usually will not have had any contact with the adoptive parents. The agency serves as the intermediary.
Birth parents usually have released the child for adoption before the child is placed in adoptive home. If release has not been obtained, placement is called “legal-risk adoption.”
Infant may be placed in foster care until all the releases have been signed and all waiting periods have passed.
Agency social worker often selects the parents for a specific child.
Adoptive parents have sought out an agency, filed an application, been approved, and waited for the agency to assign a child to them.

Independent Adoption:

Birth parents consent to place child directly with the adoptive parents.
Various intermediaries—attorneys, physicians, teachers—may be used to help facilitate the placement.
Birth parents may know the identity of the adoptive parents and may have biographical information about them. Varying degrees of anonymity maintained.
Birth parents often have been in contact with the adoptive parents—either by telephone or in person.
Birth parents usually surrender child for adoption after the child is residing in the adoptive home. Birth parents may have right to remove child from home.
Infant usually placed in adoptive home after discharge from the hospital.
Birth parents often select the adoptive parents for their child.
Adoptive parents often are actively involved in searching for an infant to adopt.

Information Source: 17:8.Agency adoptions, 21 Mo. Prac., Family Law § 17:8 (3d ed.)

As you can see from the above information, the two option types have different parameters and timelines associated with each. Depending on your unique situation, our adoption attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks can help you decide which option is best for you and your family.

Now that you a little more about these two adoption options, you can better prepare for your adoption. If you are interested in adopting a child in mid-Missouri, contact Gibbons Law Firm today. We can help walk you through the legal aspects of adoption and guide you through the entire process. This is an exciting time in your life and we are honored to be a part of it!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.