Adoption
Experienced Adoption Attorney
Adoption is the rare exception to most family law cases because it has a happy ending. But getting there does require navigation through a potentially confusing legal process. When you are ready to expand your family through adoption, it is important to work with an attorney experienced with adoption law.
Types of Adoptions
There are many ways a family can choose to grow through adoption, and our office welcomes them all. Regardless of how your family connects with a child you plan to adopt, from a legal standpoint, every adoption falls into one of two categories:
Related Adoption An adoption where one or both parents are related by blood or marriage to the child to be adopted. This is often the case when a step-parent wishes to adopt their spouse’s child. Related adoptions can also involve family members such as grandparents, siblings or other blood relations.
Unrelated Adoptions An adoption where the child has no blood or marital connection to the adoptive parents. This includes children that prospective parents find through private connections, adoption agencies, or public systems such as DCFS.
Both related and unrelated adoption connections may come from a variety of sources. Chris has experience with all types, including:
- Private Connections
- Private Agency
- Government Agency (DCFS)
- Family
- Surrogacy
Chris works with families adopting through many agencies, organizations, and other connections.
Origination of Adoption
The origin of a child to be adopted falls into one of three categories, and each type has its own processes and complexities. Chris has experience guiding families through all types of adoption, regardless of the child’s origin and location.
In State This is when the child is located in the same state where the adoptive parents live.
Interstate This is when the child is located in one state, and the adoptive parents live in another state.
International This is when the child is located in another country from where the parents live.
It is important to note that for interstate adoptions, child welfare agencies in Illinois and the other state both play a role in the approval process. Chris is well versed in this agency collaboration.
Adult Adoptions
There are a variety of reasons that someone may be seeking the adoption of an adult. The legal requirements for this vary from the requirements for adoption minor children, and you need a family law attorney familiar with them. Contact us to schedule a conversation about your adult adoption case.
Guardian Ad Litem
In addition to representing adoptive parents, Chris also represents children being adopted by serving as guardian ad litem (GAL) when appointed by the court.
Having a GAL for adoption is not associated with questions of child welfare as it is in other situations. It is a routine and required part of the adoption process. The purpose is to provide the court with evidence that the adoption is in the best interest of the child, which the GAL obtains by arranging a home visit with your family.
In the GAL role, Chris also ensures that the necessary paperwork is done completely, correctly, on time, and in compliance with all applicable statutes.
Contact Us
Do you need to talk to an adoption attorney to help your family grow? Contact the office today to arrange an initial consultation.
Call today and schedule your initial consultation
Call the firm in Crystal Lake, Illinois, at 815-355-8194 to schedule a consultation with Christopher Haaff, or send us a message through our contact form.
The sooner you speak with a knowledgeable attorney about your case, the sooner you will be able to make informed decisions.
The Law Office of Christopher Haaff offers consultations during regular business hours and evenings and weekends by appointment.