When you adopt a child, you give him or her a second lease on life. Children need parental figures to teach, nurture, and prepare them for adulthood. If you are considering adopting a child in the state of New York, there is a lot you need to know–starting with the various types of adoption available in the state. Please read on and reach out to our firm to learn more about the adoption process and how we can help you, every step of the way. The different types of adoption are as follows:
- Private Adoption: When an individual seeks to either adopt a child through the child’s biological parent, or is adopting a child he or she already knows, it is considered a private adoption. Generally, when you have a private adoption, you can circumvent adoption agencies.
- Domestic Adoption: Domestic adoption is when an individual who lives in the United States adopts a child who was born and lives in the United States.
- Step-Parent Adoption: This is when a stepparent seeks to adopt his or her stepchild. However, these adoptions are generally only granted either with the explicit consent of the child’s biological parent, or if an incident(s) of abuse or neglect have been proven. If this is the case, the biological parent will have his or her parental rights terminated and the stepparent may adopt the child.
- International Adoption: Though international adoptions are sometimes more difficult to get than domestic adoptions, as they very often require several trips to and from the child’s home country, they are also extremely rewarding.
- Adult Adoption: This type of adoption is generally between two or more adults, and is usually used to transfer inheritance rights and/or filiation.
- LGBT Adoption: While not every state allows LGBT adoption, fortunately, members of the LGBT community in New York are allowed to adopt children.
- Second-Parent Adoption: Just as not all states allow LGBT adoption, all states do not allow second-parent adoptions as well. Thankfully, in New York State, they are legal. A second-parent adoption allows a same-sex parent to adopt an adoptive or biological child without terminating the first parent’s legal status as that child’s parent.
If you are ready to take the next step and begin the adoption process, reach out to our experienced, compassionate firm. We look forward to helping you grow your family by providing a child the home he or she has always wanted.
Contact our experienced New York firm
Peter V. Mandi, Esq. is an experienced divorce and family law attorney located in Bohemia, New York. Our firm understands the impact a divorce can have on your life. If you require strong and dedicated legal representation in Long Island, New York, please do not hesitate to contact Peter V. Mandi & Associates, Inc. today.
