Stamford Adoption Lawyer

Hire an Adoption Lawyer

When you decide that you want to welcome a child into your life through adoption, the most important thing you can do for your case is hire an adoption lawyer. Above all, you want to be sure that your case is being handled by someone who knows what they’re doing and appreciates how high the stakes are for you. At Reich & Truax, PLLC, we have spent decades helping our clients with their family law needs, including adoption. We can bring that focus to your case as well.

Adoption is fairly common throughout Connecticut. A 2023 study by the National Council for Adoption (NCFA) showed that approximately 750 children were adopted throughout Connecticut that year.

Additional data from the Connecticut Department of Children and Families showed that 89% of children who were adopted in 2023 found a permanent home within 365 days. If you want to adopt, you should consider contacting a lawyer to start the process.

Local Support

Adopting a child is a significant life event that should be taken seriously by everyone involved. The child you choose may have gone through some trauma through abandonment or struggled in a foster home.

You may want to consider reaching out to a local child therapist or support group in Stamford, such as Introspect Psychotherapy or Thriveworks Counseling, for help during the initial adjustment period. Giving them a chance to talk about their own fears and concerns can be healthy.

The Adoption Process in Connecticut

The adoption process in Connecticut is strict and dependent on multiple key requirements. If you don’t meet these requirements, you will likely not be able to adopt a child. They include:

• Being at least 21 years old.
• Being a legal resident of Connecticut.
• Having sufficient income to support a child.
• Owning or renting a home with at least two bedrooms.
• Being in good physical and mental health.
• Passing a criminal background check.
• Completing a mandatory 10-week training program.

If you successfully fulfill all of these requirements, you can begin the adoption process:

• To start, you will want to reach out to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) or a licensed private agency to ask about adopting a child. Once you meet the legal requirements, you will complete the mandatory training course, which is usually provided by the DCF.
• Then, you will have to participate in a home study. A DCF social worker will come to your home, examine your living space, look through your finances, speak with your friends and family, and decide if you are a good candidate for adoption.
• You will undergo a criminal background check and fingerprinting to determine if you have a past criminal history that would bar you from the adoption process. If you pass, you will be matched with a child, likely someone from the foster system, and start the placement process. Once the adoption is finalized in court, the process is done.

FAQs About Stamford, CT Adoption Law

How Much Does an Adoption Lawyer Cost in Connecticut?

There is no telling how much an adoption lawyer might cost in Connecticut. Every adoption case is different. Each case has its own possible setbacks and unique complications that can increase the amount your lawyer will ask for their services. Contested adoptions, locating birth parents, and international cases can all make your situation much more expensive. The more complex your case is, the more it will cost.

What Type of Lawyer Do You Need to Adopt a Child?

If you wish to pursue adoption with the help of a lawyer, you will want to speak with a family law attorney, particularly one who has experience handling adoption cases. They can handle the complex paperwork, deal with court filings, help you meet deadlines, and ensure that your case meets all state and federal legal requirements. Having a lawyer makes the whole situation smoother and less stressful.

Is a Lawyer Needed for Adoption in Connecticut?

No, a lawyer is not legally needed for an adoption case in Connecticut. However, it is highly recommended that you have one to help your case. Adoptions are very complex, with strict legal procedures, complicated paperwork, and filing deadlines. In some cases, the child’s birth parents will have to sign away their parental rights, and that’s something you’ll want a lawyer to help you deal with. So, while you don’t technically need one, you should have one anyway.

Can a Single Person Adopt a Child in Connecticut?

Yes, a single person can adopt a child in Connecticut. You don’t need to have a romantic partner to pursue adoption. As long as you meet the necessary legal requirements, including being 21 years of age, having a stable income, and owning or renting a home with at least two bedrooms, there should be no issue with the adoption process regarding your marital status.

Reach Out to an Adoption Lawyer Today

Choosing to adopt a child can be a momentous life decision, but it’s also one that’s fraught with legal complications and possible setbacks. You shouldn’t be discouraged when the process doesn’t go exactly the way you expected. Instead, have a reliable, experienced adoption lawyer by your side to make sure you meet every legal requirement.

At Reich & Truax, PLLC, we can assist you in managing your adoption case. We can protect your interests, provide you with consistent advice, and advocate for you when necessary. Contact us to speak to someone who can help.