Faqs About Foster Care Adoption
Schedule a Consultation TodayBelow are some frequently asked questions about Foster Care Adoption:
How do you qualify to be a foster parent?
To become a foster parent in North Carolina, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be 21 years of age or older
- Submit to fingerprinting and a background check
- Complete 30 hours of required training
If you satisfy those requirements, you can become a foster parent. It does not matter if you are single, married, divorced, or widowed.
How does foster child adoption work in North Carolina?
Not all children in the foster care system are available for adoption. The primary goal of North Carolina’s social services workers is to reunite families. However, when that is not possible, they may be adopted.
The steps necessary to become a foster parent differ from those required to adopt a child. However, a foster parent wishing to adopt a child in their care must complete the same legal steps in adopting a minor, including filing a petition with the court and completing a home study.
If you have questions for a foster care adoption attorney, Mills Adoption Law can help. Ask to speak with a foster care lawyer during a free consultation.
How long does it take to adopt a child from foster care?
There is no single answer to this question, as each adoption is unique. Generally speaking, you must complete the following steps to adopt a child from foster care:
- Select an agency to work with
- Complete your home study and training (which usually takes three to six months)
After completing the steps above, the length of time to adopt depends on finding the right match. The critical thing to remember is that the entire process is child-centric. All parties are acting with the best interests of the child in mind.
Once the state places a child in your home, it may take up to six months to finalize the adoption. If you need a lawyer for foster care concerns or questions, Mills Adoption Law is here to help growing families. Speak to one of our adoptions lawyers today.
Do I have a right to a copy of my home study evaluation?
Yes, North Carolina law allows you to view a copy of your home study or pre-placement assessment. In addition, the agency you worked with will keep a copy of your assessment for at least five years. This applies to complete and incomplete assessments.
Call us today at (919) 306-2899 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with our adult adoption law firm.
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Professional Associations
Why Should You Choose An Adoption Attorney?
An adoption attorney will:
Provide
We will provide an unbiased explanation of adoption procedures and develop a legally secure plan tailored to your needs.
Assess
We will assess the risks involved, including determining what payments are permissible and ensuring that birth parents are treated fairly and their rights are legally terminated before placement is finalized.
Clarify
We will clarify your options, if any, for post-placement arrangements with birth parents, making sure your interests and those of the child are served.
Explain
We will explain your rights and adoption laws in your state or refer you to attorneys who practice in other states or internationally.
Review
We will review and negotiate the adoption agency contract to protect your interests.
You Should...
Contact
You should contact an attorney as early as possible in the decision-making process.
Learn
Learn about the specific types of adoption services the attorney provides. Ask what percentage of the practice is dedicated to adoption and how many adoption proceedings the attorney has handled.
Choose
Choose an attorney who is experienced in the type of adoption you are considering.
Know
Know what the attorney charges, how fees are structured and that you can afford the services.
Ask
Ask questions, request references, share your concerns and provide the attorney with all relevant documents. Ask for a written retainer agreement that outlines what the attorney charges, how fees are structured and other details regarding fees and fee payment.