The Process of Adopting a Child in North Carolina
Adopting a child is an exciting and life-changing experience. This process is also very complex and has many important steps. If you are interested in adopting a child in North Carolina, it is important to understand the different adoption laws and requirements, as it varies from state to state. In this blog, we will walk you through the essential steps of adopting a child in North Carolina, explain the different types of adoption, and outline the key requirements you need to know. Whether you’re looking to adopt through an agency, privately, or through the foster care system, understanding this process will help make your adoption journey a smooth one.
Determine the Type of Adoption
There are a few different types of adoption you can choose to do based on your situation:
- Domestic: This type of adoption is when you adopt a child from within the United States. This process is usually faster and less expensive than international adoption and can be done through private agencies, attorneys, or the foster care system.
- International: This is when you adopt a child from another country. This type of adoption can be more complicated and take longer due to different laws and regulations between countries. It often requires working with a licensed international adoption agency, handling visas, and meeting the specific requirements of the child’s home country.
North Carolina Adoption Requirements
To adopt a child in North Carolina, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must demonstrate a stable living arrangement
- You must show you are financially capable of taking care of a child
Once eligibility is determined, a background check will be conducted. The purpose of these checks is to ensure that the child is placed in a safe environment and that the adoptive parents have no history of behavior that could be a risk to the child.
Mandatory Home Study
A home study is a mandatory part of the adoption process in North Carolina. It involves an in-depth assessment of the prospective adoptive family’s home, lifestyle, and ability to provide a nurturing environment. A licensed social worker or agency conducts interviews with all household members, reviews financial records, checks references, and inspects the home to make sure it meets safety standards. This study determines whether a prospective adoptive family is allowed to adopt.
The Matching Process
The matching process differs depending on if you are working with a private agency or a foster care system. With a private adoption, you typically wait for the birth parent to choose you from a list of potential adoptive families. In foster care adoption, you might wait for a match with a child whose case fits your family’s needs. This can be a very timely process, it is important to stay patient while waiting to find a match.
Once a match is found, you usually will have meetings with the birth parents or the child. In private adoptions, meetings with the birth parents may involve discussions about the adoption plan and how much contact, if any, you will have post-adoption. In foster care adoptions, you may have visits with the child to assess compatibility before the formal placement.
Filing an Adoption Petition
To file an adoption petition in North Carolina, you must submit a formal request to the court for approval. To do so, you must complete an adoption petition, which serves as your request to legally adopt the child. Additionally, you will need to include supporting documents such as the completed home study report, proof of background checks, and any other required documentation. It is important to make sure that you have all the necessary documentation, as they are crucial in determining whether or not you are allowed to adopt the child.
Attend the Adoption Hearing
The adoption hearing is where the court reviews your adoption petition. During the hearing, the judge will examine all submitted documents, listen to testimony, and ensure that all legal requirements have been met. You may have to answer questions from the judge and present evidence to support your suitability as adoptive parents. If the judge decides you are suitable adoptive parents, they will issue a final decree of adoption, making the adoption official.
Post-Adoption Requirements
Once the court determines a final decree of adoption, there are a few final steps you will need to complete:
- Post-Placement Visits: Social workers will conduct post-placement visits to see how the child is adjusting well to their new home. These visits are meant to ensure the adoption is proceeding smoothly and that the child’s needs are being met.
- Obtaining a New Birth Certificate: To obtain a new birth certificate for the adopted child, submit a copy of the court’s final adoption decree to the North Carolina Vital Records office. This updated birth certificate will reflect the child’s new legal name and adoption status.
Contact a Family Law Attorney in North Carolina
The adoption process in North Carolina is carefully designed to ensure the well-being of both children and prospective parents. Being so, this can be a complex and stressful process to go through, that’s where we come in. The Law Office of Stephen E. Robertson, PLLC is available to answer your questions about adoption. Our Greensboro adoption attorneys also have the knowledge and experience to competently guide you throughout the entire process. Our mission is to do everything we can to protect your rights and ensure you receive a favorable outcome during this time. Call or contact our office online today to get started discussing your case with our attorneys.