Adoption

Considering Adoption?

T

he creation of a parent-child relationship by judicial order between two parties who usually are unrelated; the relation of parent and child created by law between persons who are not in fact parent and child. This determination is brought about only after a determination that the child is an orphan or has been abandoned, or that the parents’ rights have been terminated by court order. Adoption creates a parent-child relationship between the adopted child and the adoptive parents with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities that attach to that relationship, though there may be agreed exceptions.

Black’s Law Dictionary 55 (9th ed. 2009).

The process of adoption establishes a legally recognizable, lifelong relationship between the adoptive parent(s) and the adoptee(s). Adoption is a permanent choice that should not be taken lightly. In order for an adoption to occur, the parental rights of the biological parent(s) must be terminated.

There are a variety of ways in which adoption may occur. A person can adopt their step-child or relative, an orphan from another country, a child from foster care, or from someone they know who is looking for an adoptive resource. Regardless of the reason a child’s parent(s) must voluntarily or involuntarily relinquished their parental rights.