Skilled Adoption Attorney
Serving Kentucky

Courtney Howell Freeman

ADOPTION SERVICES

Guiding You Through the Journey of Adoption

This adoption services page provides provides information about the different types of adoptions and answers questions. We most frequently receive. To find out more detailed information about adoption services in Kentucky please visit our companion website: Adoptions in Kentucky

Domestic Adoption

Welcome a child from within the United States into your home. We assist with private and agency adoptions, providing detailed guidance on navigating the legal requirements and ensuring a smooth transition for your new family member.

Domestic Adoptions: Private

Adoptions often occur when a couple connects with a pregnant woman, and the parties legally contract for an adoption–this can occur through agencies, private referrals found on social media websites, churches, or friends and family members. Once the baby is born, the adoptive parents will take custody pending the adoption process and final hearing.

Domestic Adoption: Agency

Adoption agencies take custody of babies and place them with appropriate families. In these situations, the agency keeps custody of the baby pending the adoption process and final adoption hearing.

Please find additional information on our dedicated adoption website here.

International Adoption

Expand your family across borders. Our experienced team helps you understand the complexities of international adoption, managing the legal, logistical, and cultural considerations to bring your child home from another country.

Foster Care Adoption

Open your heart and home to a child in need. We work closely with state agencies to facilitate foster care adoptions, helping you navigate the system and providing the support you need to make a lasting impact on a child’s life.

Stepparent and
Relative Adoption

Strengthen familial bonds through stepparent or relative adoption. We simplify the legal process, ensuring that your family structure is legally recognized and that your rights and responsibilities are clearly defined.

Adoption Finalization

Ensure your adoption is legally secure and complete. We guide you through the final steps, from court hearings to obtaining the final decree of adoption, celebrating with you as your family becomes officially recognized.

We are a welcoming and inclusive law firm that proudly serves all clients, including same-sex couples, with respect in LGBTQ+ legal matters.

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WHAT TO KNOW

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the adoption process?

The journey to adoption is both thrilling and complex. It begins with selecting a reputable adoption agency and attorney, followed by an application, a home study, and then waiting to be matched with a child. Each step is crucial, ensuring that both the child and the adoptive parents are well-prepared for their new lives together.
How do I choose the right adoption agency?

Selecting the right adoption agency is paramount. Look for agencies that are licensed, non-profit, and have a strong reputation. Speak with other adoptive parents about their experiences, and ensure the agency offers the type of adoption that best suits your needs.
What are the costs associated with adoption?

Adoption costs can vary widely, encompassing agency fees, home study fees, legal expenses, and birth mother expenses. While the overall cost can be significant, many financial resources, including federal tax credits and employer reimbursements, can help alleviate these expenses.
How long does the adoption process take?
What types of adoption are available?

Adoptions can result from contacts with private individuals, child placement agencies, independent adoption attorneys, the public child welfare system, or international adoption. Each type offers different pathways and requirements, tailored to the needs and preferences of the adoptive parents and the child.
What is a home study?
Can I adopt if I have a health condition?
What are the qualifications for adoptive parents?
What information will I receive about the birth parents?
What is open adoption?

In an open adoption, there is ongoing contact between the adoptive family and the birth parents. This relationship can vary but often includes sharing information and maintaining a connection for the child’s benefit. Open adoptions are not legally recognized in Kentucky.
Are there financial resources to help with adoption?
What happens after the adoption is finalized?

After the adoption is finalized, you can continue to receive support from your agency or attorney. This includes access to post-adoption counseling and to support groups to help you navigate any challenges that arise. We will obtain a new birth certificate for you, and assist you with obtaining a new Social Security card.
How involved is the birth father in the adoption decision?

The involvement of the birth father depends on legal requirements and individual circumstances. If a birth father does not consent to the adoption, his rights must otherwise be terminated in court. The birth father’s rights are equal to those of the birth mother.
What if I need financial assistance during the adoption process?

Many agencies provide temporary living expenses and medical expense coverage for birth mothers during pregnancy and after birth. Ensure you discuss your financial needs with your adoption agency to receive appropriate support. For adoptive parents, there are various agency and church grants that can assist with paying adoption expenses.

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Skilled Adoption AttorneyServing Kentucky