The Obligation of Adoption Attorney
There are a lot of reasons why people are adopting. These include infertility, as well as charity. Usually, the number of children that a couple already has does not have any correlation with the need to adopt another child. For others, specially for same-sex marriage, this may be the only way for the couple to have children. No matter the reason, it is not easy to adopt a child. Adoption laws vary from state to state and they can be hard to understand without the help of an adoption lawyer.
The Adoption Attorney
A lawyer who takes on adoption cases, or who practices solely on adoption cases is called an adoption attorney. These cases range from that of an teen pregnancy being adopted upon birth, regular adoption cases, in some instances, it also includes cases involving a surrogate mother. Recently, there have been an increase in adoption cases involving single men and women, or gay and lesbian couples. These usually require a specialist on the case, due to interpretations of the law as well as how social workers view these types of adoptions.
Although it is possible for a lawyer to cover all types of cases where they are asked to take, there are some who make it a point to focus on a particular type of law. These include tax lawyers and lawyers who also have CPA degrees. Another common segregation is that practiced by corporate lawyers; most corporate lawyers do not go into litigation. The same is specially true of adoption attorneys. Although there is no need for additional certifications to be involved in this practice, there are additional courses, seminars and trainings that they have to attend in order to be well versed regarding adoption laws.
The Job of the Adoption Lawyer
The adoption attorney is tasked to assist a couple with their adoption filings, paperwork, and other matters. This would include collating the necessary materials and documents, as well as any necessary interviews and research which is required by the authorities. The lawyer on record also attends hearings and any necessary depositions during the process. From the beginning when the couple or individual asks for assistance with the adoption, up to the adoption hearings and proceedings, the lawyer has to help the adopting party to understand the process, as well as their responsibilities once the placement process has finished. It is not enough that the placement is done, the lawyer has to make sure that the adopting parents understand their new roles and duties according to the state's laws.
Duties of the Adoption Lawyer
The lawyer facilitates the whole process. He is expected to be there even before the first filings. Part of the duties of the adoption lawyer is to explain to the adopting parents the placement process, and the roles that the parties and stakeholders have during this process. The lawyer also represents the adopting couple in their compliance with the requirements. The lawyer also has an additionalunique role to play. He has to take the child's welfare in mind during the whole process, and present this to the adopting parents. In this instance the lawyer has to make sure that the spirit of the law is followed for the benefit of the adopting parents as well as the child being adopted.