La Grange, KY Adoption Lawyer

Building your family through adoption is truly a rewarding journey. Yet, trying to maneuver through Kentucky’s complicated adoption laws yourself can be nearly impossible. Contact an experienced La Grange adoption lawyer for dependable legal and emotional support. At Pearson & Paris, P.S.C., our adoption team is here for you. Let us handle your Kentucky adoption so you can entirely focus on welcoming a child into your La Grange home.

About Pearson & Paris, P.S.C.

At Pearson & Paris, P.S.C., we understand that adoption is a joyous milestone for any family. We work with families to offer this rewarding, family-centered service. From completing home study requirements to finalizing court paperwork, we are here as your trusted ally throughout the adoption process. We provide dedicated support for families throughout the Commonwealth.

Whether you are just starting to explore the process or if you have complicated adoption questions, you have come to the right place to get reliable answers. Our experience runs deep in Kentucky’s adoption law. Adoption is our attorney Sean Paris’s personal focus, and we are ready to provide the personalized attention your adoption matter deserves. Reach out to schedule an initial consultation. 

What is an Adoption?

Adoption refers to the legal process whereby a person becomes the legal parent of another person, usually a child. A legal adoption severs all legal relationships with the biological family of a child and supplants them with all of the legal relationships of the adoptive parents. Biological grandparents, however, may, under certain circumstances, continue to maintain a relationship with the adoptive child.

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The Adoption Process in Kentucky

In general, any person who is eighteen (18) years of age and who is a resident of this state may file a petition to adopt a child. While generally the Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services has to approve of the adoption petition, this is not required for adoptions by family members, a stepparent, or a person who has had an emotionally significant relationship with the child.

Typically, the consent of the biological parent and the child, who is over the age of twelve (12), is required. However, the court may grant the adoption without the consent of the biological living parents of a child where, among other reasons:

• The parent has abandoned the child for a period of more than ninety (90) days.
• The parent has subjected the child to serious physical injury.
• The parent has, or allowed to be, inflicted upon the child physical or emotional harm.
• The parent, for a period of more than six (6) months, continuously or repeatedly failed or refused to provide essential parental care and protection for the child.

Adoptions in Context

In Kentucky, there are over 8,800 children in out-of-home care. Roughly 1,774 of these youth have a goal of adoption, with about 355 legally free for adoption but still waiting for identified families. Statewide, Kentucky generally finalizes between 1,200 and 1,400 foster care adoptions annually.

As you can see, there are many other families who have gone through the adoption process. They have also been successful with the Kentucky adoption system. When you hire an adoption lawyer who is familiar with the process, they can help explain your available options based on your unique situation. Some of the many available options are discussed below.

Private Adoptions

In Kentucky, private adoptions are also known as independent or non-agency adoptions. They allow birth parents to place their child directly with adoptive parents. This process bypasses public foster care systems. Yet, it is heavily monitored by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) to protect everyone involved. If you are interested in a private adoption, work with a knowledgeable lawyer who can discuss the process and protect your rights.

Agency Adoptions

Agency adoptions involve working with a licensed professional organization. Families can decide to use a public agency for their adoption or a private agency.

• Public agency. Children of all ages and medical needs are available. There usually are no fees, and the state covers training, legal fees, and home studies. The wait times vary, but matches can happen quickly depending on your willingness to have children with a variety of backgrounds. Financial assistance and medical assistance are potentially available.
• Private Agency. The children are typically younger. The fees are usually between $30,000 to $50,000. The wait times can range from several months to years, since the birth parents select their adoptive family. No financial assistance is provided.

An attorney can provide comprehensive support throughout an agency adoption. Plus, they can file a petition in your local circuit court to grant you permanent, legal parental rights. Reach out to Pearson & Paris, P.S.C. to discuss our available assistance.

Relative/Kinship Adoptions

This type of adoption is available for a child who will be permanently and legally adopted by someone with an established family bond or significant emotional connection. It terminates the biological parents’ legal rights and names the relative or kin as the child’s permanent, legal parents.

While the consent of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and a home study is not required for stepparent or kinship adoptions, the Cabinet does conduct an investigation to determine:

• the sufficiency of the adoption petition,
• that the proposed adoptive parents are financially capable and morally fit to adopt the child, and
• whether the adoption is in the best interest of the child

The Report is due within ninety (90) days of filing the adoption petition. For more information, contact our office about a relative/kinship adoption.

Stepparent Adoption

A spouse of a biological parent may permanently adopt their spouse’s child. This process does grant the stepparent full and legal parental rights and responsibilities. It permanently severs the legal ties of their other non-custodial biological parent. Although it is a streamlined process, it is helpful to work with a knowledgeable La Grange attorney throughout the process.

Adult Adoption

Where an adult over the age of majority becomes the legal child of another adult, this is an adult adoption. Once finalized, this creates a binding parent-child relationship, which permanently restructures next-of-kind and inheritance rights. The process is typically fast and only requires a single petition to be filed in court and a quick hearing before a Kentucky judge. Work with an experienced attorney to make sure the adult adoption process is smooth.

FAQs

Q: What Does it Cost to Hire an Adoption Lawyer?

A: It is hard to provide reliable information about the cost of hiring an adoption lawyer, because all attorneys can set their own fees and costs. They base their fee agreements on the case complexity, their experience level, and other case-specific factors. Ask about anticipated costs for your unique case if you are ready to hire an attorney.

Q: How Long Does an Adoption Usually Take in Kentucky?

A: The length of time for adoptions varies across Kentucky, depending upon a variety of case-specific factors. If the courts are experiencing a high volume of cases, it can take longer for your case. Also, if one party is fighting the adoption, it can delay the case. Contact an attorney for a realistic estimate specific to your adoption matter.

Q: Should I Consider a Guardianship Instead of an Adoption?

A: In some circumstances, a guardianship can be helpful instead of an adoption. If a parent faces incapacitation, long-term illness, or an extended absence from the country, a guardianship can be a helpful option. This arrangement transfers legal authority to a trusted adult who can make decisions for the minor child. Speak with an attorney about your own situation and whether you should consider a guardianship.

Q: Do I Have to Hire an Adoption Attorney?

A: No, you do not have to hire an adoption attorney. However, many people find that having an attorney in their corner is helpful throughout the process. An attorney provides the peace of mind you may want as you navigate the Kentucky adoption system. They offer comprehensive support and can answer your legal questions.

Hire an Adoption Lawyer: Contact Our La Grange Attorneys at Pearson & Paris, P.S.C.

The adoption process can be complicated. Invariably, the location of the neglectful biological parent may be unknown, issues of paternity may need to be addressed, and there may be genuine issues preventing the adoption without the consent of the biological parent. An attorney helps streamline the entire process and protects your rights.

We offer assistance throughout Oldham County, Shelby County, Jefferson County, Trimble County, Bullitt County, Henry County, and Carroll County. Our office is in the historic district of La Grange, conveniently located right off I-71. To schedule an initial consultation about the adoption process at reduced rates, contact Pearson & Paris, P.S.C. in La Grange.