What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Adoption?

 Posted on December 27, 2019 in Divorce

Adoption gives a child without a family the wonderful gift of loving parents. Adopting a child can be one of the most rewarding decisions a person can make. There are many different avenues that a potential parent can take to adopt a child. If you are considering adoption, read on to learn about the four main types of adoption available in Illinois and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Often, the adoption process can be very complicated, so it is important to work with a family law attorney who has experience helping families make their dream of adopting a child a reality.

International Adoption

When a family adopts a child who was born outside of the United States, this is called an international adoption. Internationally adopted children are typically orphans who do not have a family to call their own. This means that you would be giving a child in desperate need of parents the love and attention all children deserve. It also means that the birth mother cannot change her mind, which can happen with other types of adoption. The international adoption process can be expensive and time-consuming. There may also be difficulties caused by the distance and possible language barrier associated with international adoption.

Agency Adoptions

An agency adoption is enabled by a public or private adoption organization. Some parents adopt a child after providing him or her with a home as a foster parent. This can be a great way for a family and child to get to know each other before adoption. In Illinois, the adoption of foster children is managed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). It is important to note that some individuals pursuing adoption through a private adoption agency have been the victims of corruption and fraud. If you are planning to adopt a child through a private agency, retain a lawyer to ensure that no unlawful acts are taking place.

Relative Adoptions

A relative adoption, or adoption involving the child of a family member, may be more straightforward than other types of adoption. However, these types of adoptions can also become very complicated on an interpersonal level. In many cases, these adoptions involve a step-parent adopting the child of their spouse, but the child’s other biological parent may wish to have a substantial role in the child’s life, which may lead to resentment between the adoptive and biological parents or confusion for the child. On the other hand, some biological parents who remain involved in the child’s life offer great benefits and support to both the child and the adoptive parents.

Private Adoptions

A private adoption does not involve oversight by an organization or agency. The child’s biological parent and the adoptive family work out the adoption among themselves. For this reason, it is highly recommended that a family pursuing private adoption get legal support from an attorney. Private adoptions can give families greater control over the adoption process and more information about their potential child. However, birth mothers in a private adoption can change their minds and decide to keep their child, which can be devastating for the potential adoptive family.

Contact a Wheaton Adoption Attorney

Adoption can be a complex process, both legally and emotionally. For sound legal guidance regarding private adoptions, agency adoptions, step-parent adoptions, and international adoptions, contact the Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. We have successfully helped many families through the various types of adoptions, and we are ready to put this experience to work for you. To schedule an initial meeting with a knowledgeable DuPage County adoption lawyer, call us today at 630-462-9500.

Sources:

https://www.newsweek.com/benefits-international-adoption-69311

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2098

https://adoption.org/