Adoption is a valid option for couples who are unable to have children in the traditional way. Even those who can have children traditionally often prefer to adopt, because it can provide a child in need with a safe home for life.
With that being said, the legal process surrounding adoption can be nuanced. There are also financial implications to consider. Here are some of the more common challenges that adoptive parents can face.
Challenges from birth parents
When a birth parent places their child for adoption, they agree to relinquish their legal rights to visitation and custody. Nonetheless, there can be complications. For example, the birth parents of the child may be separated or divorced. Thus, one parent may know nothing about the adoption and they may still have legal rights to custody and visitation in these circumstances.
While this is rare, it illustrates why it’s so important that adoptive parents don’t make any commitments without first seeking legal guidance so that the process can be carefully overseen.
Financial complications
The adoption process can be complicated and expensive, particularly when it comes to interstate or intercountry adoptions. Some adoptive parents find themselves entering into the adoption process having agreed on a fee, only to find that additional fees are added.
It’s also important to draft clear agreements that state who is financially responsible for the medical bills of the birth mother. Again, this is why experienced legal guidance is a must. If you are navigating the adoption process in any capacity, it is essential to have as much accurate legal information as possible.