Adoptions Attorney in York, Pennsylvania

Adopting a child can be a rewarding experience for you and your family. Choosing to adopt is an exciting first step in growing your family. But do you know what to do after that? A York County adoption attorney can help you understand the legal steps your family will need to take as you prepare to welcome a child into your home.

Adoption laws can vary depending on where the child lives, such as if you’re adopting a child from Pennsylvania, from a different state or even a different country.

Attorney Kevin Hoffman at Korey Leslie Attorney-at-Law has years of experience in adoption and family law, helping you to make a smooth transition from dreaming about your child to bringing him or her into your home.

If you are 21 and older, can financially support a child, and don’t have a criminal background of child abuse or neglect, you might be eligible to adopt a child.

Steps of Adoption to Consider

There are several different steps that must be taken if you think adoption is the right choice for you.

Termination of Parental Rights

Pennsylvania law outlines different methods for terminating the parental rights of a birth parent, including how a parent can voluntarily relinquish parental rights. The Adoption Code provides a form that the birth parent can fill out indicating they would like the child to be placed for adoption.

There are several deadlines to consider after the consent form is signed, such as a 30-day revocation period in which the birth parents can change their minds and a 60-day period in which the birth parents can challenge the validity of consent on the bases of fraud or duress.

Keep in mind that each county also might have its own adoption regulations and requirements, such as an Affidavit of Paternity and DNA testing.

Involuntary Termination of Parental Rights

Parental rights may be involuntary terminated for several reasons, including if the birth parent has a history of abuse or neglect, or if the child is in the custody of an agency and if the birth parents cannot be found.

Adoption Process

There is a lot of paperwork and legal requirements for adopting a child in Pennsylvania. A family law attorney can help manage:

• a Report of Intention to Adopt;

• a home study;

• criminal and FBI clearances;

• a Report of Intermediary;

• a Petition for Adoption;

• and an adoption hearing.

Hire a Pennsylvania Adoption Attorney

A family law attorney can help you work through the legal paperwork and filings to proceed with an adoption. Attorney Kevin Hoffman at Korey Leslie Attorney-at-Law also can help you understand your rights as an adoptive parent and determine if adoption is right for your family. Welcoming a child of any age can be a rewarding experience for many families. Make sure the transition is as smooth as possible. Call us to set up your free consultation with a York, Pa., adoption attorney.