Portsmouth Adoption Lawyers

Helping Families Adopt Children in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Beyond

Adoption is one of the most selfless acts a family can perform. It is also one of the most rewarding. If you are looking to adopt a child, you already know that this process takes a lot of time and energy. That is why it is important to hire an experienced adoption attorney to help you along the way.

At Kozak & Davis, P.C., we have helped many families throughout Virginia and Washington, D.C. adopt children. Our family lawyers understand the adoption process, and we know how to help you make it happen.

To learn more about how we can help, give us a call at (757) 222-2224 or contact us online today.

How Does Adoption Work in Virginia?

Adopting a child is a long and complicated process. It involves a lot of paperwork and legal procedures. You will need to go through a home study process, which is a series of background checks and evaluations by a social worker. You will have to prove that you are financially, mentally, and physically able to care for a child. You will also have to prove that you can provide a safe, stable, and loving environment for a child.

If you are single, you must prove that you are unable to have children of your own. If you are married, you and your spouse must prove that you are both unable to conceive a child. You must also prove that you are mentally and physically healthy.

Once you have proven that you are a good candidate to adopt a child, the state will help you find a child to adopt. There are many children in Virginia who need a family. Some are older, some have special needs, and some are newborns. When you find a child you want to adopt, you will need to apply in the court of the county where the child lives.

The court will then review your application and the child's case file. If the court decides that you are a good candidate to adopt a child, it will grant you an adoption decree. This means that you are now the child's legal parent.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Child?

The cost of adopting a child varies from case to case. Some adoptions can cost as little as $2,000, while others can cost over $50,000. The cost of your adoption will depend on many different factors, including:

• The age of the child
• The child's health
• The length of the process
• The number of other people who want to adopt the child
• If you are adopting a special needs child

If you are adopting a child with special needs, the process will take longer and cost more. You will need to be financially prepared to take care of a child for several years. This is because it takes longer to adopt a child with special needs. You will also need to prove that you can provide a safe, stable, and loving environment for a child with special needs.

If you are adopting a child from another country, the process will also take longer and cost more. You will need to be financially and emotionally prepared for the long-term process. You will also need to prove that you are mentally and physically healthy.

How Can an Attorney Help Me Through the Process?

Adopting a child is a very complicated process. There are many legal procedures that you will have to go through. We can help you through every step of the process. We will work with you to understand your adoption goals. Then, we will work with you to develop a plan to help you achieve those goals. We will help you navigate through the home study process, ensure that you get the appropriate certifications, and assist you in the court process.

Along the way, we will also help you make sure that you are staying within the legal boundaries. We will make sure that you are complying with all state and federal laws.

How an Adoption Attorney Can Help You

An adoption attorney can be a crucial asset in the adoption process, offering valuable legal guidance and support. Here are some ways an adoption attorney can help:

• Understanding the Law: Adoption laws can vary significantly from state to state and can be complex. An adoption attorney can explain the laws in your state and how they apply to your specific situation.
• Navigating the Process: The adoption process involves a lot of paperwork, court filings, and legal requirements. An attorney can help ensure that all the necessary documents are completed correctly and filed on time.
• Identifying Legal Issues: There may be legal issues that arise during the adoption process, such as birth parent rights, termination of parental rights, or international adoption laws. An attorney can identify these issues and provide guidance on how to address them.
• Protecting Your Rights: Whether you are a birth parent or an adoptive parent, an attorney can help protect your legal rights throughout the adoption process.
• Facilitating Communication: An attorney can facilitate communication between all parties involved in the adoption, including birth parents, adoptive parents, adoption agencies, and the court.
• Finalizing the Adoption: Once the adoption is complete, an attorney can help finalize the process, including obtaining the final decree of adoption from the court.

Overall, an adoption attorney can provide valuable legal expertise and support to help ensure a smooth and successful adoption process.

Contact Our Adoption Attorneys Today

If you are looking to adopt a child, it means that you are already a caring and selfless person. You already know that adopting a child is a lengthy and complicated process. That is why it is important to hire an experienced adoption attorney to help you along the way.

At Kozak & Davis, P.C., we have helped many families throughout Virginia and Washington, D.C. adopt children. We understand the adoption process, and we know how to help you make it happen.

To learn more about how we can help, give us a call at (757) 222-2224 or contact us online today.