Chicago Family Attorneys: Chicago's Top Adoption Attorneys

Trusted Attorneys with a Heart for Families

Deciding to adopt can be a big decision, but it comes with many rewards. If you're considering adoption in Illinois, working with an experienced adoption lawyer is best to ensure a smooth process.

The adoption lawyers at Chicago Family Attorneys have helped countless families adopt in Illinois, and we can help you too. We understand the adoption process inside and out, and we'll work tirelessly to ensure that we fight for your interests in your adoption matter. Whether you are in a contested adoption matter or you are in stepparent seeking the right to become an adoptive parent, we know every aspect of Illinois adoptions and are here to assist you and your family.

What Is Adoption?

Adoption is the legal process of creating a parent-child relationship between two people who are not related by blood. Adoptees have the same legal rights and responsibilities as biological children once the adoption is finalized.

Adoption can be complicated, but we can take the pressure off of you. If you take the time to read the information below, you may be able to have a basic understanding of what the adoption process is like in Illinois. Each case is not the same and depending upon the case, different variations of strategy may be needed to ensure that you receive the justice you and your family deserve.

How Does The Adoption Process Work in Illinois?

There are several ways in which adoption cases may start in Illinois. One way in which the adoption process in Illinois begins occurs when the birth parents sign a surrender form giving up their parental rights to the child. The child is then placed with the adoptive family, and the adoption process proceeds through the court system.

If you are a step-parent and are married to a biological parent, the other biological parent of the minor child may have their rights terminated or the minor child may be eligible to be adopted based upon the death of a biological parent.

These issues are not abnormal and many relatives or step-parents often seek uncontested adoptions in Illinois. The process is not usually complicated unless both of the living parents are still in the child's life or if a living biological parent wants to contest the adoption.

Start your case with the right adoption lawyers.

To start he process of adoption, we highly recommend setting a free consultation with one of our licensed and knowledgeable attorneys. You can call or book an appointment online with our office to set up a comprehensive consultation. After the consultation is set, you will need to take a moment to write down your questions and concerns for your consultation. Clear communication and well-thought-out questions are ideal for any meeting with an attorney.

The attorneys handling the case will want to know the details of both biological parents and if one or both biological parents are deceased or alive to determine whether or not the matter may be contested by another party.

Communicate effectively at your consultation.

At the initial consultation, you will discuss the details of who is being adopted and why. You will need to provide basic information such as the age of the child or adult being adopted. Adopting a child or adult in Illinois varies depending on the relationship between the adopter and adoptee.Your information is very important and should be described clearly and concisely.

The attorney conducting your consultation will ask you several questions to clarify your case after you have disclosed the information to them. The attorney will answer basic questions about your matter, and they will address any issues or concerns you may have.

Our attorneys at Chicago Family Attorneys, L.L.C. can never give you a guarantee on an outcome, but we will give you our honest opinion and we will identify the risks and concerns that you face within your matter.

If you have a viable case and believe we are the right attorneys for you, we will give you a quote on your matter. The quote will reveal potential expenses and identify the attorney fee to become our client.

Once the attorney’s legal fee is paid, and an attorney-client representation agreement or engagement letter is signed by both you and the attorney, you are now a client of the law firm. Please note that our Chicago Family Attorneys, L.L.C. attorneys do not take every case. Some considerations on whether or not we will take on a client's case include legal possibilities, ethical considerations, and caseload.

The best attorney-client relationships are built on open communication, dedication, honesty, and respect. We work hard to make sure that you feel comfortable within your case and to make sure. that you are receiving the justice you deserve.

The Illinois Adoption Act and Court

750 ILCS 50/ outlines the adoption process and the ways in which adoption may occur in Illinois. Throughout the Illinois Adoption Act, it talks about definitions that are necessary to determine whether or not a party is legally capable of adopting the minor child within the case.

Filing the case in court.

Our attorneys are the best Chicago Adoption Attorneys. We will consider several strategies based on the facts surrounding your case and who you are within the case. The following are some sample questions that attorneys use to effectively evaluate their clients' representation requirements.

• Are you or a spouse related to the child or adult being adopted?
• Are you over the age of 18?
• Are you prepared to undergo a background check?
• Are there any biological parents who still have a relationship with the child?
• Is the person being adopted a child or adult?
• Are you adopting a child or adult that is located internationally or within the United States?

Next, the attorneys have to consider the laws that are going to be at the main issue of the adoption before drafting the adoption petition. The attorneys will help you with the paperwork and legalities of adopting a child, based on your specific needs and reasons.
To determine whether a child is within the right legal custody of a new parent, the court always looks to whether or not it is in the interest of the child within the matter.

After the petition for adoption has been filed, service on all interested parties must occur. After service or notice has been made, the interested parties will appear before the court and a hearing may be set on the matter.

What are the Common Types of Adoption in Illinois?

Related Adoption Cases in Illinois

These are the most common adoptions by far in Illinois. Related adoptions occur when a child is adopted by a family member by blood or marriage, such as a grandparent, an older sibling, a stepparent, or an aunt/uncle. Several requirements must be met for an adoption to be finalized.

These include a background check of the prospective adoptive parent, notification of the biological parent, and addressing any objections from the biological parent. Related adoptions may also be necessary when a birth parent dies, becomes incapacitated, or in other circumstances where the birth parent is unable to care for the child.

Adopting a related child allows family members to take on the responsibilities of raising that child. This may be necessary when a birth parent dies, becomes incapacitated, or is otherwise unable to care for the child.

Stepparent adoptions are considered "related" because not only is the stepparent adopting the child legally, but one of the biological parents will be adopting the child with the stepparent under Illinois law. This usually occurs when the birth mother of child being adopted consents to the adoption with their new spouse.

Agency Adoption

An agency adoption is when the adoptee is placed with the adoptive family by a licensed adoption agency. In this type of adoption, the child's biological parents have already given up their parental rights before the adoption process begins.

Agency adoptions can be done through the Department of Children & Family Services or a private adoption agency. Often, agency adoptions and private adoptions are great options for same-sex couples who are attempting to adopt.

Adult Adoption

A person 18 years of age or older can be adopted by relatives, or by unrelated adults that they have lived with for at least two consecutive years. An adult can be adopted without the consent of their biological parents. Once the adoption is finalized, the adoptee will be considered the legal child of the adoptive parents for all purposes.

Surprisingly, there are several reasons why someone might want to adopt an adult. Sometimes, it may be to solidify a relationship between the parties, such as in a stepparent adoption. It may also be done to provide inheritance rights or insurance benefits to the adoptee or share a last name.

These adoptions are less frequent than adoptions with children but have significant benefits in the proper legal circumstances. Adult adoptions can provide care for another adult with special needs if the adopter is willing and able to do so.

Private Adoptions

Private adoption is when the child is placed with the adoptive family through a third party, such as an adoption lawyer, physician, or adoption facilitator. In this type of adoption, the birth parents have not surrendered their parental rights to the state, but they have voluntarily agreed to place their child for adoption and have chosen the adoptive parents.

There are many benefits to private adoption. First and foremost, it allows expectant mothers to be more selective in choosing adoptive parents for their children. They can interview multiple families and choose the one they feel would best provide for their child. Additionally, private adoptions often allow for more contact between the birth and adoptive families after placement, providing peace of mind to both parties involved.

Standby Adoptions

A standby adoption is when the child’s biological parent places the child with the adoptive family, but does not immediately terminate their parental rights. This type of adoption is typically used when the birth parent faces a deployment, incarceration, or other absence that would make it difficult to care for the child.

The standby adoption agreement gives the adoptive family the authority to care for the child if the birth parent cannot do so. Once the birth parent returns, they can resume caring for the child, and their parental rights will not have been terminated. If you are considering adoption, it is essential to consult with an experienced adoption attorney to discuss your specific legal needs and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

If you have any questions about adoption, please don't hesitate to contact us today. When it comes to adoption, there is not a single solution for every case. Every family has unique circumstances and needs. That's why it's important to work with an experienced adoption attorney who can help you navigate the process and ensure that your rights are protected.

The skilled team at our firm is fully up to date on all of the laws that govern adoption in Illinois, and we can help you decide if adoption is the best course of action for your family. If you would like to book an appointment today, all (312) 971-2581 or book a free consultation online.

International Adoption Laws

If this is an international adoption, the attorney must consider laws surrounding foreign courts, the Hague Convention, and immigration issues. The adoptive parents must meet the requirements of the child’s native country for an adoption proceeding to be successful.

International adoptions can entail long agency processes, submission of petitions to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (U.S.C.I.S), and other issues. It's not easy to find a good lawyer, but it's worth it to find one who is focused on your case. We highly suggest that when contemplating an international adoption that future adoptive parents work with a hague accredited agency to ease the process.

If you have questions on what Chicago Family Attorneys, LLC can do to assist you in this matter, please call us at (312) 971-2581 or book an appointment online.

Illinois Adoption Laws

Adoptions in Illinois are governed by the Illinois Adoption Act, 750 ILCS 50/0. The Illinois Adoption Act defines who is eligible to adopt, the court process, and who may be adopted in the state.

At the start of every case, the attorney handling your matter must identify if there is jurisdiction. Jurisdiction plays an essential role in Illinois adoption.

Under the Illinois Adoption Act (750 ILCS 50/.01), an adoption may occur in the county where the petitioners reside, where the adoptee was born in or lives, or where the birth parents live. Venue will need to be determined as well. Ultimately, this will determine which county or court the matter is filed in.

After establishing the appropriate jurisdiction and venue, the attorney must file the petition in the appropriate courthouse. The content of the adoption petition will depend upon what type of adoption is occurring.

It is important to remember that once you are a parent of the minor child within the case, you have the same rights and requirements as any other parent. In the event that you become divorced or legally separated, child support and child custody issues will come into case. Your parental rights will be no different than any other biological parent of a child.

Uncontested Adoptions & Contested Adoption

Uncontested Adoption

Many private adoptions are considered uncontested, meaning the biological parents do not object to the adoption. These may take place without the involvement of an adoption agency. You should have an attorney review and file your adoption case to avoid future complications, even if it appears straightforward.

Contested Adoption

Adoption proceedings can sometimes become contested court cases, with hearings on fitness or whether a parent-child relationship exists. Adoption will be considered contested if a child's parent does not agree to have their parental rights terminated.In contested matters, one of the adoptive parents will give notice to individuals who may claim that a parent-child relationship has been formed. This may include legal parents recognized by the court, anyone that has created a parent-child relationship, or even putative fathers.

After the petition has been filed and notice given to the parties, the adoption will be set for a hearing. During this time, the court may ask the parties and witnesses questions to ensure that adoption is in the child's best interest. After the hearing, if the adoption is approved, the order will be entered and the adoption will be final.

Notice To Legal Fathers and Putative Fathers

There are two types of fathers concerning adoption: legal fathers and putative fathers. It's important to know which one applies in any given situation. If a child is born outside of a marriage, a legal father-child relationship is not necessarily recognized by the courts.

A father may be considered the legal father if he has established himself as the child’s parent and supports the child.

A putative father is someone who either claims to be or is believed to be the child’s father but has not legally established paternity. A putative father has certain rights in adoption proceedings and can take steps to ensure that he is recognized as the legal father by the court.

A putative father must register with the putative father registry in Illinois if he wishes to preserve his rights. If not, the putative father must have signed a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity. This form must be filed within 30 days of the child’s birth or 30 days after learning of the adoption, whichever is later. Once the
If a putative father does not file this notice, he may still be considered the legal father if he meets certain criteria outlined in the Illinois Adoption Act. These include:

• He married the child's mother at least 300 days before the child's birth.
• He tried to marry the child’s mother before the child was born, even if the marriage might not be legal. He can prove this by showing a court order or marriage certificate.
• He cohabited with the child’s mother before the child’s birth
• He openly held out the child as his own
• He provided support for the mother during her pregnancy
• He offered support for the child after the child’s birth

If you are considering adoption or are in the process of adoption, it is important to have an experienced adoption attorney. The adoption process can be complex and difficult to navigate without the help of a knowledgeable attorney.

Our family law attorneys are dedicated to helping families through the adoption process and can help you every step. If you would like to learn more about adoption, contact our firm at (312) 971-2581 today to learn more about how we can help you with your adoption case.

Hire The Top Adoption Lawyers in Chicago

Why Choose Adoption?

Adoption is a beautiful way to build a family and comes with many rewards. Adopting a child can give them a loving home, a stable family, and access to resources they might not otherwise have. It can also be an incredibly rewarding experience for the adoptive parents.

For many children, they have been in the middle of relationships that have involved domestic violence and neglect. Adoption allows for children to be in a loving home and for parents to care for the children involved. Individuals in civil unions, marriages, and even those who are living relatives of a child can make all of the difference in a child's life. Wih your love and support, you can make all of the difference in a child's life.

Discuss Your Illinois Adoption Case With Our Attorneys

We understand the importance of bringing a new member into your family and are dedicated to helping you build your family with as few complications, stress, and expense as possible.

Before you decide to adopt a child, you must consider all of your decision's factors and potential consequences. It is also important to plan ahead. Under Illinois law, an adoptive parent must meet age, residency, and disability status requirements.

Some things to keep in mind when considering adoption are:
•    Adoption can be a lengthy and costly process. Let us make it easier for you and your family.
•    It is important to find an experienced and reputable adoption attorney
•    The adoption process can be emotional and stressful
•    Adopting a child from another country can be very complex

It is always advisable to speak to a licensed professional who is focused on family law and adoption for your case.

To speak to an adoption attorney near you, call (312) 971-2581 or book a consultation online.

We know the adoption process inside and out – let us help you make your family complete.

We fight for the best interests of families and children. The attorneys at Chicago Family Attorneys have provided adoption services to countless families across Illinois and can help you navigate through the court system while being sensitive to your individual needs.

Illinois Adoption Frequently Asked Questions F.A.Q.

How long does the adoption process take in Illinois?
A: The adoption process can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more, depending on the type of adoption you are pursuing and other factors such as whether the birth parents are involved.

How much does adoption cost in Illinois?
A: Adoption can be expensive if you do not hire the right professional for your adoption case. Our law firm tries to keep costs lower by providing the right legal advice you and your family need. Costs range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. The cost will depend on the type of adoption you pursue, the agency or attorney you work with, and other factors such as whether you need to travel to meet the child.

Our attorneys are some of the most affordable in Chicago, and we are proud to offer excellent services to our clients. Generally, an adoption for a client will range from $3,000 or more depending upon the circumstances and if the petition for adoption is being challenged by a biological father or another interested party.

Who can adopt in Illinois?
A: Anyone over 18 can adopt in Illinois, regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. There are some additional requirements for adoptive parents who are not U.S. citizens.

What type of adoption is best for me and my family?
A: The type of adoption that is best for you and your family will depend on a number of factors, including your budget, the amount of time you are willing to invest in the adoption process, and your preferences regarding the child’s age, race, and special needs (if any).

I’m interested in adopting a child from another country. How do I get started?
A: If you are interested in adopting a child from another country, you must work with an agency authorized to facilitate international adoption. International adoptions are generally more expensive and time-consuming than other types of adoption and come with additional risks.

I’m interested in adoption but unsure if I’m ready to commit to a child long-term. What are my options?
A: If you are interested in adoption but not ready to commit to a child long-term, you may want to consider foster care or becoming a foster parent. Foster care is temporary, and you can choose to adopt your foster child if you feel ready to make that commitment.

I want to adopt a child, but I don’t know where to start. Can you help me?
A: The adoption process can be complex and overwhelming, but we can help guide you through every step. Our law firm is happy to support families in adoption matters throughout Illinois. To speak with an experienced adoption professional at Chicago Family Attorneys, LLC, call us at (312) 971-2581 or book a free consultation online.

I’m not sure if adoption is right for me. How do I know if it’s the right decision?
A: There is no one definitive answer to whether or not someone should adopt, as it is a personal decision. However, we encourage you to reach out to us for a consultation so that we can provide you with more information and answer any questions you may have.

I want to adopt a child, but I’m unsure if I can afford it. What are my options?
A: There are many ways to finance an adoption, including adoption loans, grants, and tax credits. We can help you explore your options and find the best way to finance your adoption.

Can you help me with an adoption that is already in progress?
A: Yes, we can help you with an adoption that is already in progress. We can review your adoption paperwork, provide guidance and support throughout the process, and represent you in court if necessary.

Chicago Family Attorneys has successfully helped countless families across Illinois navigate the adoption process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and we will help you start your adoption journey.

For more information on adoption in Illinois, please contact Chicago Family Attorneys at (312) 971-2581 or book an appointment online for a free consultation.