Wilmington Adoption Attorney: Guiding Families Through Life-Changing Decisions
Adoption is a beautiful journey that brings families together. However, it involves complex legal processes, including the termination of parental rights. Whether you are a birth parent considering adoption or an adoptive family ready to welcome a child, understanding this legal process is crucial.
The Wilmington law firm, The Law Office of Shauna T. Hagan, LLC, is dedicated to supporting families throughout the adoption process. Led by compassionate adoption attorney, Shauna T. Hagan, the firm will help you understand your rights and responsibilities. She prioritizes clear communication to make the legal aspects as straightforward as possible. Trust attorney Hagan to handle your case with the care you deserve to ensure a smooth transition for all parties involved.
Understanding Your Parental Rights
Parental rights refer to the legal rights and responsibilities a parent has regarding their child. These include making decisions about the child’s education, health care and religious upbringing.
In adoption, birth parents must legally relinquish these rights before the adoption can proceed. This process is known as the termination of parental rights. It allows the child to be legally available for adoption by the adoptive family. This step is critical in adoption law to ensure the new family structure is recognized legally. There are generally two types of termination of parental rights:
- Voluntary termination: The birth parents choose to give up their parental rights.
- Involuntary termination: The court takes away the birth parents’ parental rights due to circumstances such as abuse or neglect.
Once the birth parents’ rights are terminated, the adoptive family can assume full parental rights and legal custody. This means they can make all legal decisions for the child. Working with a skilled adoption attorney is crucial to help facilitate this transition smoothly.
The Adoption Process In Delaware
Adoption is a legal process that creates a permanent parent-child relationship between individuals who are not biologically related. In Delaware, various types of adoptions exist, including:
- Domestic adoptions
- International adoptions
- Stepparent adoptions
- Foster care adoptions
Adoption involves several legal steps to ensure the child’s well-being. Here is a simplified overview:
- Termination of parental rights: The birth parents’ rights must be terminated for adoption to move forward.
- Home study: The adoptive family undergoes a comprehensive home study conducted by a licensed social worker, including interviews and home visits. This assesses the adoptive family’s suitability to adopt.
- Placement and supervision: Once the home study is approved, the court places the child with the adoptive family. A period of supervision by a social worker typically follows.
- Finalization: After a successful placement period, the court finalizes the adoption. This grants legal and permanent parental rights to the adoptive family.
Throughout this process, having a knowledgeable adoption attorney on your side can provide invaluable guidance and support. Attorney Shauna T. Hagan will help ensure that all legal requirements are met and advocate for the best interests of the child and your family.
Begin Your Adoption Journey Today
Choosing to adopt is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and legal guidance. Attorney Hagan is here to assist you every step of the way, including:
- Helping birth parents understand their options and rights
- Guiding adoptive families in completing the necessary legal steps
- Ensuring that all parties meet legal requirements for an efficient transition
Whether you are a birth parent or an adoptive family, The Law Office of Shauna T. Hagan, LLC‘s compassionate adoption lawyer is ready to support you. Contact the Wilmington firm today to learn more about how attorney Hagan can help you with adoption law by calling (302) 321-6489 or emailing us online. Let her be your trusted partner in this life-changing journey.