RELATIVE ADOPTION LAWYERS IN CHARLOTTE, NC

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Charlotte Relative Adoption Lawyer

Adoption is a beautiful process that offers legal recognition of the special bond between a parent and a child. While some new parents may choose to adopt a child with whom they have no relation, other times, a person or a couple may adopt a child with whom they are biologically related.

This type of adoption is called relative or kinship adoption. At the office of the Speaks Law Firm, PC, our Charlotte relative adoption lawyers are well-versed in kinship adoption laws and can guide you through the process. Reach us today to learn more.

What Is a Relative/Kinship Adoption?

A relative or kinship adoption is an adoption where the adoptive parents are biologically related to the child who is to be adopted. A relative is defined as a grandparent, sibling (full or half), cousin, aunt or uncle, great aunt or great uncle, or a great grandparent.

Sometimes, the parent and the child to be adopted may have another type of biological relationship–for example, they may be second cousins; however, if the relationship is not one of the ones listed above, then the adoption is considered an independent adoption, not a kinship/relative adoption.

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Who Can Adopt and Who Can Be Adopted?

Interestingly, in North Carolina, both children and adults may be adopted, although an adult must consent to the adoption. In most cases, children ages 12 and above must also consent to the adoption.

Only adults can pursue adoption in our state. Both married couples and single individuals can adopt. An adult is someone who is married, legally emancipated, or who is 18 years of age or older.

How to File for Adoption in NC

A relative adoption arises out of the death of both of a child’s parents or the revocation of parents’ parental rights. In order to pursue a relative adoption, the adoptive parent must obtain the adoption forms and pay a filing fee at the time that the forms are filed with the clerk. Before the adoption can proceed, a home study will be conducted by the Department of Social Services. Finally, there may be a court hearing before the final adoption decree is entered, although this is not always necessary in cases involving minors.

The Importance of Working with an Experienced Charlotte Relative Adoption Lawyer

Of all family law matters, adoption proceedings are one of the most complicated. While there is no requirement to hire a lawyer–one maintains the right to represent themself in the process–working with an attorney is strongly recommended. In fact, court clerks are legally prohibited from offering legal advice, which means that if you do not hire an attorney, you may be alone in making sense of the law.

When you work with an experienced Charlotte adoption attorney, on the other hand, you significantly improve your chances of the case resulting in your favor and avoiding any hiccups along the way.

Call Our Law Firm Today

If you are pursuing the adoption of a child to whom you are related, please call our law office directly or send us a message at your convenience. Our Charlotte relative adoption lawyers can start working on your case immediately.

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