Waxhaw Adoption Lawyer

Waxhaw Adoption Attorney

Adoption has opened up the possibility for parents and children to create strong, new family units in North Carolina. As empowering as the process of adoption can be, it can also be challenging for people petitioning to adopt without the guidance of a Waxhaw adoption lawyer. At Lehnhardt Price Family Law, we want to help you and your family step into this new stage in your lives with compassion and comprehensive legal counsel. A Waxhaw family lawyer brings valuable experience to the table, ensuring that every legal requirement is met and helping families create a solid foundation for their future together.

Who Can Adopt in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, there are many family situations that are eligible for adoption, including:

• Stepparent adoption
• Relative adoption
• Independent adoption
• Foreign adoption
• Adoption through an agency
• Adult adoption

The person who is filing for the adoption is known as the petitioner while the adoptee is the person who the petitioner is adopting.

Filing for Adoption in North Carolina

Petitioners must file a court case known as a special proceeding in the county where either the petitioner or adoptee lives. For some types of adoptions in Waxhaw, your home must be evaluated by a representative of a child placement agency to determine if your household is fit for the child’s care. This representative will file a report with the county explaining their decision.

Court hearings may not be necessary for adoptions involving children, depending on their age and the type of adoption. However, they are required to adopt an adult. It is up to a county clerk whether or not a child adoption requires a court hearing. During this process, North Carolina does not mandate that petitioners have legal counsel, but it can be immensely beneficial for petitioners who decide to hire a family lawyer on their own.

Potential Barriers to Adoption

Complications in the adoption process can arise. North Carolina requires prospective parents to follow complicated and specific procedures to be eligible for adoption. If a biological parent decides to contest the adoption, this can be a large hurdle to overcome in court. In this case, termination of the parents’ parental rights is required.

How a Lawyer Can Help You Through the Adoption Process

An experienced family lawyer can guide you through the long process of filing for adoption. We can break down legal jargon and demystify court proceedings to make every step of the adoption easier to comprehend. When court becomes necessary, we serve as advocates for you and for the well-being of your family. In cases where a biological parent contests the adoption, we can gather evidence that proves grounds for termination of parental rights and that the adoption prioritizes the best interests of the child.

Every family’s circumstance is unique. It can be daunting for adoptive parents to take on the process of adoption when there are so many requirements to juggle. Armed with our thorough knowledge of family law, your chances of a seamless adoption are bolstered significantly.

FAQs About Waxhaw, NC Adoption Law

How Much Does Adoption Cost in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, there is a fee for filing adoption cases with the county. This fee is decided and conveyed to you by a court clerk, although you may be able to petition to have the fee waived if you meet certain requirements. When it comes to hiring outside legal representation, fees can be discussed prior to committing to a family lawyer through a consultation. Most family law fees vary based on the work required for each case.  Additional fees may be required for home studies and assessments.

How Do I Legally Adopt a Child in North Carolina?

To legally adopt a child in North Carolina, both the petitioner and the adoptee must be eligible for the adoption process. The petitioner must qualify for it by having a positive home assessment and proof of capability to care for the adoptee. An experienced adoption lawyer can help you through the process.

Put Your Family First With a Waxhaw Adoption Lawyer

Adoption invites new beginnings and joy into your home, but the process can be overwhelming for some. Our team strives to simplify adoption and support your family during legal proceedings. Contact Lehnhardt Price Family Law today to see how we can support you.