Adoption
Adoption
• Highly Experienced• Locally Owned Law Firm• Walk-In Appointments
Handling the Adoption Process
Whether you are looking to adopt or are placing a child for adoption, Beth A. Rosenthal, P.C. can help. The decision to adopt a child or place a child in another home is one of the most important decisions you could ever make. Beth Rosenthal will guide you through the adoption process with kindness, compassion, and the experience necessary to ensure a smooth proceeding.
Helping Families Who Want to Adopt
Adopting a child is both an emotional process and a legal one. At the law office of Beth A. Rosenthal, P.C., we will guide you through the legal process so you can devote your attention to the lifestyle changes when you welcome your new child or children. Attorney Beth Rosenthal represents parents in stepparent, relative, foster parent and private adoptions in New York. With an office centrally located right in Deer Park, NY, she represents parents throughout both Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Stepparent, Relative, and Foster Parent Adoptions
Before a stepparent, relative or foster parent can adopt a child, the child must be free for adoption. There are three ways this can happen:
- The biological parent passes away (or both parents in a relative or foster parent adoption)
- The biological parent(s) sign a legal surrender agreement in or out of court
- The court terminates the biological parent’s (or parents’) rights because of neglect, abuse, or abandonment
The adoptive parent will need to go through a home study, a background check (including a criminal background check), and a drug and alcohol screening before the court will approve the adoption. A child over the age of 14 can refuse to consent to an adoption in the state of New York.
Adopting a child gives you the same rights as a biological parent. In New York, there is no legal distinction between an adoptive parent and a biological parent.
Private Adoptions
In New York, adoptive parents cannot purchase a child to adopt; however, they can pay for the mother’s medical expenses, room and board, and attorney fees. In New York, we must provide the Office of Court Administration a list of all funds paid to complete an adoption. Usually it’s required that both birth parents must surrender their parental rights before a child can be adopted privately.
In New York state, any adult may adopt, regardless of their marital status, as long as they are certified by the court.
Call today to discuss your case with Lawyer Beth Rosenthal. You can be sure you are in good hands with her over 25 years' experience dealing with family law. Some cases are more unique than others, and adoption is a very sensitive and emotional matter. Here, you will get real life experience and compassionate, professional advice. Call today or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
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Beth A. Rosenthal, P.C.
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