Adoption Options in Rhode Island

Deciding to adopt a child is a huge and exciting endeavor. People adopt children for many reasons – they are unable to conceive, they are the child’s relative or they are child’s stepparent. In tragic circumstances, the child’s parent may be unable to care for the child or may have passed away. In any event, your decision to adopt is courageous and commendable. Before proceeding with the adoption process, consult with a Rhode Island adoption lawyer to learn more.

Rhode Island residents have several adoption options.

• Agency adoption: Prospective parents can adopt a child through a public or private agency. Adoption agencies are highly regulated. Public adoption agencies mainly handle children in the state’s foster system.
• Independent adoption: In independent adoptions, Rhode Island adoption lawyers assist the prospective family in adopting a child from a private family. Generally, this involves the adoption of an infant from a mother who has just given birth. Many times, an arrangement is decided upon during the mother’s pregnancy.
• International adoptions: You can adopt a child from another country. The process is complicated and may require the help of an attorney.
• Stepparent adoptions: A stepparent may legally adopt their spouse’s biological child. If the other biological parent is still alive, the stepparent must procure the parent’s consent before adopting.
• Relative adoptions: In cases where the parents are deceased, unfit or otherwise unable to care for the child, a grandparent, aunt, uncle or other relative may adopt the child.

If you are considering adoption, contact Kirshenbaum Law Associates. We help families through the complex process of adoption, helping them achieve their dreams of becoming parents.