Adoption Legal Services

If you are planning to adopt a child, there are a number of legal issues to address. The process almost always requires the assistance of a lawyer, because of the legal issues, volume of paperwork and complex, local rules that accompany it.

Parents who want to adopt can benefit from working with a lawyer who thoroughly understands adoption laws and is well versed in local adoption procedures. Hiring a lawyer independently to do your adoption work can be expensive, but if you go through a group legal plan you have access to all these services as part of the monthly fee for the legal plan.

There are many different kinds of adoption, and each one of them has their own set of requirements:

Agency: A domestic agency works with prospective parents and birth parents to find suitable matches for adoption. If there are no birth parents present, the agency deals only with prospective parents. There are third party fees involved with an agency adoption, so it’s a good idea to have a lawyer present to make sure all finances are taken care of properly.

Private/Independent: Prospective parents go through personal channels to try to find a child who needs adoption. They express their wishes to family and friends and wait to see if anyone is in need. Each state’s laws on independent adoptions vary, so having a lawyer involved can ensure all requirements are met.

International: Prospective parents must meet the need of the two different governments, as well as the agency they are working with. Depending on the country you are adopting from, there may be many different people involved in the process. Paperwork for international adoptions can be daunting, so having a lawyer available to help you work through it is important.

Stepchildren: Stepparents work with birth parents and the state court system to transfer parental rights of the children. Many legal requirements must be met in order for one parent’s rights to be terminated. Having a lawyer on your side can prove to be invaluable.

Your Legal Plan Can Help

Adoption laws are stringent to make sure that children are placed with families who have the means and capabilities to care for them. Although it can be complicated, the end result is well worth it, and by having a lawyer on your side, you can navigate the process effectively from beginning to end.

• If your employer offers a Hyatt legal plan, click here to learn more about coverage available when you enroll. (Your employer can provide the password needed to access this site.) If you are unsure whether your employer offers a Hyatt legal plan, please contact your benefits or HR department to find out.

• If you are a legal plan member, access your plan to review coverage.

• You may also call the Client Service Center at 800-821-6400 for more information on covered services.

Please note: Some matters, including employment-related matters, are excluded. View terms of service.

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This article is intended to provide you with general information. This article is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, legal advice. If you require legal advice, please consult with your own attorney.