Adoption in the State of Maryland
The process of adopting a child, or putting a child up for adoption, is a complicated one. Regardless of which side of the equation you find yourself, Alan L. Billian, P.A. is here to help you at every turn. We are an established Maryland family law firm with 25+ years of experience and results.
How Can I Adopt a Child?
Once you’ve decide you want to adopt a child, figuring out how to actually begin the process can be quite a challenge. The first step is ensuring you are eligible to adopt a child: typically the restrictions reside with being an adult which the court deems capable of being a parent. The next step is deciding on what method of adoption you’d like to pursue, whether that’s through an agency or through an independent adoption.
The Types of Adoption
There are a variety of options you have to putting up a child for adoption and obtaining an adoption in Maryland:
- Public Agency Adoption — After parental rights are terminated, this adoption case is filed with the department of social services.
- Private Agency Adoption — A private adoption agency identifies a child available for adoption and matches them up with a family willing to adopt.
- Independent Adoption —Typically, these are when a stepparent wants to adopt their child: but typically in these situations it is when all parties find and consent to the adoptio independent of agency help.
Adopting a Stepchild in Maryland
One of the most common forms of adoption in Maryland is a stepparent adoption. This is when the stepparent of a child agrees to be fully responsible for their spouse’s child. Typically this means the other biological parent gives up their rights and subsequent child support obligations.
Your Partner in All Guardianship and Adoption Legal Matters
Alan L. Billian, P.A. is your resource and partner in all matter involving your adoption in Maryland. We have over 25 years of experience as a Maryland adoption attorney and expert in family law and can help you and your child realize the best possible result for your unique situation.
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