Spokane Adoption Lawyer
Serving Clients in Spokane, Washington
Adoption is a beautiful experience that allows a child to be taken into a new and loving family. At the Law Office of Benjamin D. Platt, PLLC, we understand the importance of the adoption process and strive to make it as smooth and worry-free as possible for our clients. We are committed to providing the highest quality legal representation for our clients and their children.
Contact us today at (509) 571-2277 to discuss your case. Our Spokane adoption attorney offers flexible hours and is ready to meet your needs.
Adoption Options in Washington
Adopting a child can be a long and emotional process. There are many options when it comes to adopting a child. One option is to adopt through the state of Washington. The state of Washington offers information on all its adoption programs on its website. It also has a list of agencies where you can find more information about the adoption process.
Adopting Through the State of Washington
In Washington, there are three types of adoptions you can choose from:
- Agency adoption
- Direct placement adoption
- Independent adoption
Agency adoptions are the most common type of adoption. This is when you choose an agency to help you through the adoption process. Agencies will generally list the children they have available for adoption on their website. You can then apply to adopt the child and the agency will review your application. If you are approved, the agency will work with you throughout the process. This includes helping you through the legal aspects of adoption and helping you prepare for parenthood.
- Direct placement adoption is when you find a child you want to adopt on your own and work through the adoption process yourself. You can use an agency to help with this type of adoption, but you will be in charge of finding a child yourself.
- Independent adoption is when you find a child to adopt yourself and take on the responsibility of the adoption process yourself. You can find children through private adoption agencies or through the Internet or other media sources. This type of adoption is not recommended as there are many risks involved.
Adopting Through a Private Adoption
Another option for adopting a child is through a private adoption. In a private adoption, you will work directly with the birth mother to finalize the adoption. This process can take longer, but it also means you are able to work more closely with the birth mother and get to know her and her child.
When you are considering private adoption, it is important to remember that you will be responsible for all the legal aspects of the adoption. You will need to prepare a couple documents, such as the child's birth certificate, and apply for a new social security number for the child. You will also need to go through a home study to prove that your home is a safe environment for children.
You can find more information about the home study and other legal requirements for adoption on the state's website.
Adopting Through International Adoption
There are many children who need a loving and permanent home, especially those who are older or have special needs. Adopting from another country can be a wonderful experience for all involved. However, international adoptions are more complicated and require more time.
When adopting from another country, you will work with an adoption agency and the adoption process will be slightly different than domestic adoptions. You will need to go through an orientation process, which can take a few months, and then apply to be matched with a child. It generally takes a few months to a year to be matched with a child, depending on the country and agency you choose.
After you are matched with a child, you will go through another process to get the child's legal documents. This is when you will need to obtain the child's birth certificate and apply for a new social security number. You will also need to get a passport for the child. It can take several months to a year to obtain all the child's legal documents.
Contact Our Spokane Adoption Attorney
Adopting a child is a big decision and process. We are here to help make the process as smooth as possible for you and your family. Our goal is to make sure you are prepared for all aspects of the adoption process and are fully aware of your rights and responsibilities. We provide high-quality legal services for all types of adoption, including agency, private, and international adoptions.
Get in touch with our Spokane adoption attorney today to learn more.
For an initial consultation, call (509) 571-2277 or fill out our contact form.