DuPage County Family Related Adoption Lawyers

Your Trusted Guides Through the Adoption Process in Illinois

Adoption is a beautiful and life-changing process that allows families to grow through legal means. In Illinois, family or related adoptions are a common type of adoption in which a child is adopted by close relatives such as a grandparent, sibling, or stepparent. These types of adoptions have their own set of requirements and procedures to ensure that the welfare and best interests of the child will be protected.

If you are considering adopting a child related to you in Illinois, it is important to understand the procedures you will need to follow. The experienced attorneys at A. Traub & Associates can guide you through each step of this journey efficiently while prioritizing your family's needs and protecting your rights. We have extensive knowledge of family law matters, and we will provide dedicated support throughout the adoption process.

Trusted Related Adoption Attorneys

A family adoption involves several steps that must be followed under Illinois state law. While this process may seem complex, having an experienced attorney on your side can greatly simplify the process. Here is an overview of the steps that will be followed in a related adoption:

• Initial consultation with an adoption attorney: The first critical step in initiating a family adoption in Illinois is to schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable attorneys at A. Traub & Associates. During this meeting, we will review your situation and discuss your eligibility for adoption based on state laws and regulations.
• Petition for adoption: Once you decide to proceed with the adoption process, our attorneys will help you prepare and file a Petition for Adoption with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in your county of residence. This official document serves as the formal legal notice that initiates the process of your intent to adopt.
• Background checks and home studies: Before granting an adoption, the court may evaluate a prospective adoptive parent's background, lifestyle, and home environment. While criminal background checks and home studies are not required in related adoption cases, a judge may choose to perform certain types of checks or reviews to ensure that a family member will be able to provide for a child's needs. Our attorneys will assist you in preparing all necessary paperwork related to these types of checks, and we will ensure that your rights are protected during this process.
• Consent or termination of parental rights: If one or both of the child's biological parents are still alive, their consent to the adoption is generally required. However, in cases where parental rights have been terminated due to abandonment or other legal reasons, consent may not be required. Our experienced attorneys will handle all necessary legal procedures related to the termination of parental rights, if applicable to your case.
• Adoption hearing: A judge will review your petition for adoption and determine whether it meets all legal requirements. During your hearing, our attorneys will advocate on your behalf and present evidence to support your suitability to adopt the child.
• Post-adoption requirements: After successfully completing the adoption process by obtaining a final court order confirming your relationship with the adopted child, certain post-adoption responsibilities must be fulfilled. These typically include updating vital records such as birth certificates and Social Security information to reflect the new parent-child relationship.

In Illinois, family adoptions can be very rewarding, but they will require careful adherence to legal procedures while prioritizing the best interests of the child who will be adopted. The experienced attorneys at A. Traub & Associates can provide invaluable guidance throughout this process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met correctly.

Contact Our DuPage County Related Adoption Attorneys Today

If you are considering adopting a child who is related to you in Illinois, contact A. Traub & Associates today at 630-426-0196. Our compassionate team of attorneys has extensive knowledge and experience in family law matters, including adoptions. We are committed to serving our clients with professionalism and dedication, and we can help you navigate the legal complexities of the adoption process.