Navigating the Adoption Process in Tucson
Adopting a child is life-changing for everyone involved, including the child, the adoptive parents, and the birth parents. It can be an exciting moment for the adoptive parents and adopting a child is a noble idea. Yet, it can be a heartbreaking moment for the birth parent(s).
Adoption is a major life decisions that often involve a complex process. It can be emotionally hard for the adoptee, the adopting family, and the birth parent (s). The legal process of adopting a child in Arizona can also be lengthy and complicated. You need to consider specific legal requirements like who can adopt in Arizona, who can be adopted, and related laws.
Before you start the adoption process, consider seeking the help of an adoption attorney. If you are in Tucson, AZ, contact our skilled and experienced Tucson adoption lawyer at RPM Law. We will help you navigate the often complex adoption process.
Types of Adoption in Arizona
There are three major adoption options or types in Arizona; domestic adoption, international adoption and foster care adoption.
- Domestic Infant Adoption.
Domestic adoption involves adoptive parent(s) adopting a child at birth. The adoption often happens after a woman decides to place their baby for adoption after an unexpected pregnancy. In most private adoption cases, the adoptive family meets the infant at the hospital and takes them home.
Private adoption agencies often link a prospective adoptive family with a birth mother who wants to place their child for adoption. In an open adoption, the adoptive parents maintain contact with the birth parent(s). Domestic infant adoption is the most preferred type of adoption as it is quicker, simpler, and sometimes cheaper than the other options.
The adoptive family has to meet some Arizona adoption requirements before adoption. First, the family needs to prove that they can meet the social, physical, emotional, safety, and mental health needs of the child.
- International Adoption.
This option involves adopting a child of any age from outside the United States. The adoption requirements, process, and cost vary among countries. It is advisable to work with a reputable international adoption agency if you are looking to adopt a child from another country.
International adoption requires you to adhere to American federal laws, Arizona laws, and the laws of the child’s country. Besides the legal complexities, you should also be ready to deal with cultural and social challenges if you adopt an older child from outside the U.S.
- Foster Care Adoption.
This involves adopting older children in foster care. The Arizona foster care system strives to reunite children with their biological families. But, this can become impossible, especially if going back home is a physical or emotional threat to the child. For some reason, some parents or close relatives are unfit to parent. In such cases, the foster child may become available for adoption.
While foster care adoption can be risky and challenging, it is often rewarding for both the child and the adoptive family. It provides a child with a stable, loving environment and the opportunity for a brighter future. The Arizona foster care adoption process requires adoptive parents to pass a home study and get court certification.
Independent Adoption. Besides the three major adoption options, you can also adopt a child already connected to you in some way, including your stepchild, grandchild, nephew, or niece. This option often arises if the child’s parent is absent, unfit to parent, or is willing to relinquish their parental rights.
The Arizona Adoption Process
While different types of adoption have varying legal and financial requirements, they share some basic steps, including:
- a) Consultation and Choosing an Adoption Pathway
When considering adoption, the first step involves getting information about the different types of adoption and the requirements. An adoption lawyer can provide the necessary information and answer related questions.
You can also have an information meeting with government agencies involved in adoption. The consultation lays a foundation for choosing the adoption pathway you want to follow, whether you want to adopt a private domestic adoption, an international adoption, or a foster care adoption.
- b) Home study
Arizona requires a home study for anyone looking to adopt. A licensed home study professional conducts a home study to evaluate your ability to provide a secure, loving, and stable home for the child. A home study can involve submitting relevant documents, including up-to-date medical records and criminal background checks for the prospective adoptive parents.
A home study also involves a home inspection where a home study provider visits your home to ensure it is safe and suitable for the child. The home study provider can suggest areas of improvement.
A home study may also include the licensed professional interviewing you or any member of your household to evaluate your family dynamic and ability to raise your adoptive child. You will get approval to proceed with the adoption process once the home study is complete.
- c) Finding a Match
Unless you are adopting a child you know, like your stepchild or relative, you need to wait for an adoption agency to find you a match. This step can often involve unpredictable waiting times.
In most cases, you are among many prospective adoptive parents and the agency will contact you once a birth mother chooses you.
- d) Consent Form Signing and Placement
For a domestic infant adoption, the adoption agency will call you just before the baby is born requiring you to travel to the hospital to meet the baby. Arizona law requires 72 hours to pass before the birth mother signs her consent to the adoption.
With the law giving the birth mother the right to change her mind about adoption, the waiting moments can be emotional for everyone involved. However, once she signs the consent form, she permanently gives up her parental rights. There must be two adult witnesses during the consent form signing.
If you are adopting out of state, you may need to follow the birth state’s regulations. Our skilled adoption attorney will help you navigate the legal complexities.
- e) Post Placement Visits and Adoption Finalization
After taking the baby home, a home study provider or a social worker will pay you a visit within a month. They will conduct two or three more meetings before the court finalizes your adoption. The visits are to ensure that both you and the baby are adjusting to your new life. The post-placement period lasts for about six months.
After the post-placement period ends, your adoption lawyer will request an adoption finalization hearing at the Superior Court. The judge will review the adoption process, and the home study reports. If everything is in order, the judge will approve the adoption and grant you legal parental rights.
You can now get a new birth certificate for your child to indicate their new surname.
Contact a Tucson Adoption Lawyer
Adopting a child is a life-changing decision. It can be emotional, lengthy, costly, and legally complex. You need someone to guide you through the complex process and help you achieve your objective. Our skilled and experienced Tucson adoption attorney at RPM Law will offer you reliable legal guidance and support. Contact us today for a consultation and to learn more about our services.
