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Adoption Attorneys
St. Joseph Adoption Lawyer
Grow Your Family with St. Joseph Adoption Services
Adoption is a wonderful way to grow your family. It is also a complex legal process that requires careful attention to detail. At Kranitz, Sadoun & Carpenter, our St. Joseph adoption lawyers are here to help you navigate the process. Our team can help you understand your rights and options and work to protect your interests throughout the process.
Call (816) 551-2482 or contact us online to request a consultation with our St. Joseph adoption attorneys.
What Is Adoption?
Adoption is the legal process by which a person or couple becomes the legal parent(s) of a child. Once an adoption is finalized, the adoptive parent(s) have all the same legal rights and responsibilities as biological parents.
This means that the adoptive parent(s) can make decisions about the child’s upbringing, including where they live, what they eat, what religion they practice, and more. The adoptive parent(s) are also responsible for the child’s care and well-being, including providing for their financial needs.
There are several different types of adoptions, including:
- Stepparent Adoptions in St. Joseph: When a stepparent wants to adopt their spouse’s child, they must first terminate the other biological parent’s rights. This is not always necessary, such as when the other parent is deceased or has abandoned the child. In some cases, the other parent may voluntarily terminate their rights. In others, the court may terminate the other parent’s rights if it is in the child’s best interests.
- Relative Adoptions - Keeping Families Together: When a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other relative wants to adopt a child, they must first terminate the biological parents’ rights. This is not always necessary, such as when the biological parents are deceased or have abandoned the child. In some cases, the biological parents may voluntarily terminate their rights. In others, the court may terminate the biological parents’ rights if it is in the child’s best interests.
- Private Adoptions - Personalized Adoption Journeys: In a private adoption, the birth parents and adoptive parents work together to place the child for adoption. The birth parents may choose the adoptive parents and may have an ongoing relationship with the child. Private adoptions can be more complex than other types of adoptions, as they often involve more parties and more legal issues.
- Agency Adoptions - Trusted Adoption Pathways: In an agency adoption, the birth parents work with an adoption agency to place the child for adoption. The agency then works to match the child with adoptive parents. Agency adoptions can be more straightforward than private adoptions, as the agency handles many of the legal issues.
Adoption is a permanent decision that cannot be undone. It is important to carefully consider your options and work with an experienced adoption attorney who can help you understand your rights and options. At Kranitz, Sadoun & Carpenter, we can help you navigate the process and work to protect your interests.
Contact online our St. Joseph adoption attorneys or call us now at (816) 551-2482
Requirements For Adopting a Child in Missouri
The basic requirements for adopting a child typically involve several key criteria and steps, including:
Age Requirement
Prospective adoptive parents must be at least 21 years old. There is no maximum age limit, but the adoptive parents should demonstrate the ability to provide long-term stability for the child.
Residency and Citizenship
Prospective adoptive parents usually need to be residents of Missouri. Some adoptions might require proof of residency or a certain length of residency in the state. If adopting internationally, adoptive parents generally need to be U.S. citizens.
Home Study
A home study is required for all adoptions. This involves a thorough evaluation by a licensed social worker or agency. The home study includes:
- Interviews
- Background checks
- Home visits
- Assessments of the family’s readiness to adopt
- Personal history
- Parenting skills
Financial Stability
While there is no specific income requirement, adoptive parents need to demonstrate financial stability and the ability to provide for the child’s needs. This includes having stable employment and sufficient income to support a child.
Background Checks
All adults in the household must undergo criminal background checks. This is to ensure that the home is safe and free from any history of child abuse or neglect. Prospective adoptive parents must also be screened against child abuse and neglect registries.
Health and Fitness
Adoptive parents must provide medical records to show that they are in good health and capable of caring for a child. This ensures that any health issues will not impact their ability to parent.
Parenting and Relationship Stability
Adoptive parents should demonstrate stable and healthy relationships, whether they are married or single. The focus is on providing a stable and loving environment for the child.
Adoption Training
Many agencies require prospective adoptive parents to complete adoption preparation or parenting classes. This training helps parents understand the adoption process and prepare for parenting an adopted child.
Court Approval
The final adoption must be approved by a court. After completing the home study and meeting all requirements, a court hearing will be scheduled to finalize the adoption.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adopting a Child in St. Joseph
Adopting a child is a big decision that requires careful planning. The process can be complex and time-consuming, but it is also incredibly rewarding. At Kranitz, Sadoun & Carpenter, our St. Joseph adoption lawyers can help you understand your rights and options and work to protect your interests throughout the process.
Here are the basic steps to adopt a child in Missouri or Kansas:
- Decide on the Best Adoption Path for You. Each type of adoption has its own requirements and legal issues. Our St. Joseph adoption attorneys can help you understand your options and determine the best way to proceed.
- Selecting the Right Adoption Professional. If you are pursuing a private adoption, you will need to choose an adoption agency or attorney to help you navigate the process. If you are pursuing an agency adoption, you will need to choose an adoption agency to work with. Our St. Joseph adoption lawyers can help you understand your options and choose the right professional for your needs.
- Preparing for a Home Study in Missouri and Kansas. A home study is a comprehensive evaluation of your home and family. It is designed to ensure that you are capable of providing a safe and loving home for a child. The home study process typically involves a series of interviews and a home visit. Our St. Joseph adoption attorneys can help you prepare for the home study and work to ensure that it goes smoothly.
- Completing Adoption Paperwork Accurately. To adopt a child, you will need to complete a variety of paperwork. This may include an application, a financial statement, a medical history, and more. Our St. Joseph adoption lawyers can help you complete the necessary paperwork and ensure that it is filed correctly and on time.
- Attending Pre-Placement Meetings. A pre-placement meeting is a meeting between the adoptive parents, the birth parents, and the adoption agency or attorney. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the adoption plan and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Our St. Joseph adoption attorneys can help you prepare for the meeting and work to protect your interests.
- Finalizing Your Adoption in Court. Once the child is placed with you, you will need to complete the adoption process. This typically involves a series of court hearings. Our St. Joseph adoption lawyers can represent you in court and work to ensure that the adoption is finalized as quickly as possible.
Contact Kranitz, Sadoun & Carpenter Today!
Hiring an attorney for your adoption case is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful process. With a century of dedicated service to the legal needs of St. Joseph and its surrounding regions, our team brings unparalleled expertise and commitment to every adoption case.
We provide invaluable guidance through complex legal requirements, handle intricate paperwork, and advocate for your interests, ensuring that all legal procedures are followed meticulously. By working with us, you gain peace of mind knowing that your adoption journey is in the hands of experienced professionals who are deeply invested in achieving the best outcome for your family.
Ready to Start Your Adoption Journey? Contact our St. Joseph adoption lawyers at Kranitz, Sadoun & Carpenter, PC by calling (816) 551-2482 today!
Meet Our Team
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Dear Michelle, Thank you for working with me throughout 2012. Your help is appreciated. Have a blessed year!
- Julie B. -
Hands down, one of the BEST places to go for a lawyer/attorney. I was and am COMPLETELY satisfied with ALL of the outcomes from the cases that my lawyer from here has represented me. Not a SINGLE DECISION do i regret from the outcome.
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Michelle, you will remember it as the shortest case ever. However, I will recall someone who took the time to care, to listen, and to make a phone call and to make a difference. A priceless act of holding a father accountable and I can’t thank you en
- Tracy B. -
Dear Michelle, Thank you for all the hard work you did on my custody case. You really put your energy and heart into what you were doing. An attorney like that is rare to find I’m sure, and I am just so glad that I chose you to represent me.
- Ellen S. -
Hugh has been our lawyer for the past 30 plus years. He is honest, straight to the point and he knows how to calm our fears. We couldn’t have picked a better lawyer when we needed one and we will always go back to him when needed.
- Danielle B.
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