Adoptions in North Carolina

Fayetteville NC Adoption Lawyers

There are many married couples who would like to have children but cannot do so because of physical issues, and for them, adoption has always been a viable option. However, couples who can have children and even some single people choose to adopt as well. Adopting a child through an agency is perhaps the most common adoption scenario, but anyone of any age can be adopted. Adoptions often take place within a family, for example when a stepparent legally adopts a child that he or she has been caring for after a true parental bond has developed.

In the state of North Carolina, anyone over the age of 18 is legally eligible to adopt. The residency requirements state that an individual who is seeking to adopt in North Carolina must have resided in the state for at least six moths prior to the filing, but this requirement can be waived should the circumstances surrounding the matter warrant it. Adoption in the state of North Carolina is handled by the Department of Health and Human Services under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court.

There have been some relatively recent changes to the North Carolina adoption laws, including a shortening of the window of time when the birth parents can revoke their adoption consent from twenty-one to seven days. Another notable change is that “open adoptions” are now legal in the state of North Carolina. An open adoption exists when the birth parents and the adoptive parents are aware of one another’s identity and can keep in contact if they so desire. Another one of these changes allows for prospective parents to advertise their desire to adopt.

Matching a child who needs a family with a family that is lacking children is a win-win situation for everyone, but there are a number of legal issues that need to be addressed. The emotional investment that is involved in an adoption is considerable, so making sure that the adoption is permanent and legally binding is of tantamount importance to the long term well being of all concerned.

Adoptions require considerable legal expertise, so if you are interested in an adoption, the only responsible way to proceed is with an experienced Fayetteville NC family lawyer by your side.