Lombard, IL Adoption Lawyers

Experienced Attorneys Helping You Expand Your Family Through Adoption in Lombard, Illinois

Families may decide to adopt children for various reasons. While an adoption can bring a huge sense of joy, the process leading up to it is likely to be complex. You could encounter various challenges on your path to welcoming a new addition to your family, but you do not have to face these issues alone.

When you choose The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd., our experienced family law attorneys can help you overcome potential adoption challenges. We have helped Illinois families address a variety of legal issues since 1997, so we are well-qualified to ensure that your adoption will be carried out appropriately. Your attorney is always ready to answer your questions, beginning with a complimentary consultation.

There Are Many Reasons to Adopt in Lombard, Illinois

You may think of adoptions as only being for couples who are unable to have biological children of their own. While that is, indeed, the reason behind some adoptions, many others may choose to adopt, including:

• Stepparents: Many parents, whether they have been previously married or not, get married. In these situations, stepparents may want to formally adopt their stepchildren.
• Relatives: Whether due to parental death, unfitness, or other reasons, children may be unable to live with their parents. Grandparents, older siblings, and other relatives may wish to adopt to keep their family intact rather than see these children go into state or foster care.
• Co-Parents: Same-sex couples often want children. While other methods are possible, adoption is a common way to expand these families. In other cases, one parent may have a biological connection to the children, and the other may want to gain full parental rights. Unmarried couples may be eligible for co-parent adoptions, as well.
• Foster Families: Sometimes, children fit so well into a foster family that the foster parent wants to adopt them.

Adoption agencies, state systems, international agencies, and private individuals are often sources for finding adoptable children. Whichever path you choose to take, you need to understand the various requirements and ensure that all the documentation is completed correctly. Your attorney will explain all the details and help you with all the paperwork.

Potential Illinois Adoption Challenges

Many adoptions go smoothly, but you need to be aware of situations that could arise during the process. Overcoming potential challenges can help ensure that you will not be prevented from completing your adoption. Your lawyer will support and guide you at every step.

Contested Adoptions

Sometimes, biological parents do not want anyone else to adopt their children, even if they do not maintain connections. This issue could arise in almost any kind of adoption, but particularly for stepparents. We can work to help you finalize the adoption, or we can represent you if your parental rights are in danger of being terminated.

Readoptions After an Overseas Adoption

Many couples choose to adopt children from another country. These adoptions are often more complex, and even if you have adopted a child under the laws of a foreign country, you may need to readopt your child in the United States to grant them U.S. citizenship. We can assist you throughout international adoptions to make sure you meet all of your legal requirements.

Adopting Across State Lines

When adoptive parents live in a different state than the child they wish to adopt, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children comes into play. ICPC offices in both states may become involved in the adoption process. We can help complete and submit the proper forms to simplify the process.

Babies Born Through Surrogacy

If one of the intended parents has a biological connection to a child born through surrogacy, such as through fertilized eggs or sperm donations, both parents can be named as a newborn's legal parents in Illinois. However, if there is no genetic connection, you will need to adopt the baby. We can help you ensure that a surrogacy contract and other related issues will protect your rights as parents.

Contact Our Lombard Adoption Attorneys

The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd. is thrilled to help bring new families together through adoption. Contact us online or call 630-785-2400 to set up an appointment for your free initial consultation today. We serve Illinois families from our offices in Lombard and Plainfield.