Adoption Attorneys in Huntley

Types of Adoptions in Illinois

Adopting a child can be one of the most rewarding of all family law matters, but there are several different types of adoption and each type comes with its own legal challenges. At Brody Brandner, Ltd., we represent people who seek to adopt a child, whether as a relative or to bring a child into a loving home. 

• Related Party Adoption: A related party adoption involves adoptive parents who are related to the parent. The adoptive parents may be a brother, sister, grandparent, or older sibling. This may be necessary if the parents have abandoned a child, are incarcerated, are extremely ill, have passed away, or, for whatever reason, are unable to care for a child.
• Stepparent Adoptions: In cases in which a natural parent is no longer involved in the child’s upbringing and care, the parent caring for the child, along with his or her new spouse, may choose to adopt the child as their own, with the natural parent giving up his or her parental rights. 
• Domestic Waiting Adoption: This type of adoption can be accomplished through the DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) or through a private agency. It is sometimes referred to as a “Special Needs Adoption,” a term used broadly to describe children who may be harder to place, including older children, sibling groups, and children with medical or developmental needs. These adoptions often involve children in the various foster care systems in the state and beyond.
• Agency Adoptions: For some adoptive parents, a potential birth parent has been found who is considering putting an infant up for adoption. Working with the agency, a baby can be legally adopted to become a legal member of your family.

Other adoption pathways may include:

• Private Adoption: An adoption arrangement that does not involve an agency placement.
• Interstate or International Adoption: An adoption involving requirements that may extend beyond Illinois.
• Adult Adoption: An adoption involving a person who is already an adult.
• Co-Parent Adoption: An adoption in which a parent’s partner seeks legal parental status.

Illinois Adoption Process & Legal Requirements

Each adoption follows a path based on the family relationship, placement setting, and status of existing parental rights. An adoption attorney can help prospective parents identify the appropriate process before they file documents, respond to consent issues, or move toward adoption finalization.

Depending on the circumstances, an Illinois adoption may involve:

• Preparing and filing an adoption petition
• Addressing required parental consent or surrender, unless a statutory exception applies
• Completing an investigation or home study when applicable
• Attending court proceedings and seeking a final judgment

The required documentation can differ for agency, private, related-party, stepparent, adult, interstate, and foster-care adoption matters. Consent, surrender, termination of parental rights, and finalization are separate legal issues that may require careful review.

Adoption in McHenry, Kane, & the Surrounding Counties

We serve clients throughout Northern Illinois, including McHenry, Lake, Kane, DuPage, Boone, and Winnebago Counties.

An adoption establishes you as the child’s legal parent and grants you all the rights and responsibilities of a parent. Adoption is permanent but can only be achieved when the natural parents have voluntarily given up their parental rights, or the court has terminated those rights, which can occur in certain situations. 

Contact Us for Legal Representation During Your Adoption

Contact our adoption lawyer when questions arise about consent, parental rights, placement, or finalization.

Call (815) 374-7783 today for a free consultation.