Adopting a child can be a good move for couples that are unable to conceive a child of their own. Because the adoption process can be very long and often confusing, many people rely on an adoption attorney offers. If you are thinking about hiring an adoption attorney, here are some factors you should consider:
Attorneys May Not Handle All Adoptions
There are many different types of adoptions, such as domestic (U.S.) adoptions, international adoptions and adoptions from foster care. Normally, attorneys only handle domestic adoptions regarding the relinquishment of rights of the birth parent. This is because the attorneys are normally qualified to give advice on domestic laws only. Therefore, if you are planning to arrange an international adoption, your local attorneys may not be familiar with the rules and regulations overseas. If you are planning an international adoption and need legal advice, you should look for a specialized attorney who has handled international adoption cases.
Ask for Counseling Services
Since an adoption can be very emotionally trying, it is helpful to be able to speak to a counselor about your feelings. Your attorney can provide you with a lot of useful legal help, such as filing the necessary paperwork, however, since counselling is normally outside of their professional services, ask them to refer you to an experienced counselor. They should be able to provide you with the contact details of someone who counsels new adoptive parents to help them through the transition.
Determine What the Fees Will Be
Of course, it is important to discuss with the adoption attorney fees before you decide to hire anyone. Ask the attorney is they charge based on a sliding fee scale or whether they simply use hourly billing. If you believe your case may be more complex and time-consuming, it is best to arrange a payment scheme with the attorney at the outset.