Find Out How to Adopt from an Illinois Adoption Attorney
If you are deciding whether to adopt a child, you should seek answers for the questions you have from an Illinois adoption attorney. The Brave Law Center, P.C. can provide you with an experienced adoption lawyer. Our firm works with clients on various types of adoptions including the following:
- International Adoptions
- Agency Adoptions
- Co-Parent Adoptions
- Adopting a Relative
- Stepparent Adoptions
- Foster Parent Adoptions
- Litigation for Contested Adoptions
In addition to adoptions, the Brave Law Center, P.C. offers knowledgeable family law attorneys for cases such as divorces, parenting time, child support, child custody disputes, and probate. We have advised clients all over Central Illinois, including Peoria IL, Bloomington IL, East Peoria IL, Washington IL, Pekin IL, Morton IL, Canton IL, Lewistown IL, and Eureka IL. Contact us today to request a reservation where you can discuss your circumstances with our Illinois adoption attorney.
What Is Adoption?
Adoption is the legal process that forms a new family relationship between a child being adopted and the adoptive parents. This process enables adopting parents to become the permanent and legal guardian for the child. In this legal action, the adoptive parents gain full responsibility for the child. As a result, the adoptive parents are responsible for the child’s wellbeing, healthcare, social activities, education, and lifestyle decisions. This relationship is established for the remainder of the adopted child’s life, including after emancipation. If you have further questions about this important legal process, contact the Brave Law Center, P.C. to set up an appointment to speak with our Illinois adoption attorney.
Is There a Difference Between Guardianship and Adoption?
There are a few meaningful differences between guardianship and adoption. Unlike with an adoption, guardianship only establishes a relationship between the guardian and child until the child’s emancipation. Therefore, a guardian assumes responsibility for the child like an adoptive parent. However, the responsibility for the child for a guardian ends upon adulthood, unless there is some sort of disability. In addition, guardianship differs from adoption in that it does not require the parental rights of the biological parents to be terminated or relinquished. For further questions about the differences between guardianship and adoption, please request a reservation for a consultation to speak with our Illinois adoption attorney.
What Are the Requirements for Adoption?
The Illinois Adoption Act outlines a few specific requirements when it comes to parties looking to become adoptive parents. These are requirements for adoption in accordance with state laws:
- Those looking to adopt must be an adult, meaning they must be of 18 years of age or older. However, there are circumstances where a court can grant an adoption by a minor with good cause shown.
- In addition, adoptive parents must reside in the state of Illinois for at least 6 months. There is a notable exception for those serving in the armed forces. A member of the armed services can be eligible to adopt after living in Illinois for 90 days.
- Also, adoptive parents must be willing to submit and pass a background check.
How Long Does the Adoption Process Take?
The length of the adoption process varies depending on the circumstances of each case. It is recommended to speak with an Illinois adoption attorney if you have decided to adopt a child. An experienced attorney can explain the legal requirements and policies, prepare legal documents for you, and guide you through the entirety of the adoption process. After you decide to adopt, a good first step in process is contacting the Brave Law Center, P.C. to request a reservation to speak with our experienced adoption attorney.
Request a Reservation
Get the legal assistance you need to make the adoption process go as smoothly as possible. Contact the Brave Law Center, P.C. today to schedule a consultation to speak with our Illinois adoption attorney. If you prefer, you can also give our firm a call. To reach our office in Peoria IL, please call 309-685-7900. If you want to reach our office in Lewistown IL, please give us a call at 309-547-3516.
