Across the United States, there are thousands of children living in foster care, orphanages, and on the streets. Adoption is a great way to provide children with a loving, stable environment in which to thrive. Many Kansas families who consider adoption are unsure of where to start. There are several different ways to adopt in Kansas, which means hopeful adoptive parents or grandparents may be unsure of where to turn.
In Kansas, the most common forms of adoption include independent adoption, agency adoption, open adoption, and international adoption. Each form of adoption has separate guidelines and processes that must be understood fully before adoptive parents can make an informed decision.
Read on to learn more about each form of adoption, and find the solution that is right for you.
- Independent Adoption – Independent adoption has gained momentum in recent decades, but is not the most popular option for adoption. Independent adoption allows the birth parents and the hopeful adoptive parents the ability to negotiate without the use of an adoption agency. With independent adoption, adoptive parents can secure legal rights and guardianship of the child shortly after birth.
- Agency Adoption – Agency adoption is another common form of adoption in Kansas. Agency adoption can be private or public, each with its own set of guidelines and standards. Agency adoptions are more selective and usually have a greater number of requirements in contrast to independent adoptions. Some of the requirements include that the parents are both younger than 40 years old, are married, are healthy, have no criminal record, and must have stable income.
- Open Adoption – Open adoptions are a good option for families where both the biological and adoptive families want to be involved. With open adoptions, the birth parents often choose the adoptive family before the baby is born. After meeting, the birth parents and adoptive parents may agree to attend classes and doctor’s appointments together in order to unite the family before the baby is born. Open adoption also provides avenues for birth parents to stay involved in the child’s life after adoption, within certain guidelines.
- International Adoption – International adoption is very common, and often, very expensive. International adoption means that a couple living in the U.S. can adopt a child born and living in another country. There are very specific guidelines for international adoption, and adoptive parents must be willing to exercise patience and diligence. Most international adoptions occur between the U.S. and China, with Ethiopia, Russia, and South Korea as the next most common countries. International adoption is complex, and often requires legal guidance in many cases, in order to be successful.
Get Help with Your Adoption
In order to be successful, an adoption must be equal parts adoptive parents, birth parent(s), and child. All parties involved in adoption are important, and should be viewed as such throughout the process. Any Kansas resident considering adoption should also consider obtaining the representation and guidance of an attorney who is skilled in adoption matters. Without proper legal guidance, adoptive Kansas parents may not understand and utilize all available avenues for adoption success.
At McDowell Chartered, we have vast knowledge and experience of current adoption laws in Kansas, and across many other jurisdictions. Our supportive team is prepared to help you work through the adoption process with success. Regardless of the form of adoption you choose, we can help you find the options that are best for you and your entire family. To set up an initial consultation, contact the experienced Kansas Adoption Attorney at McDowell Chartered at our Wichita office by calling us at (316) 269-0746.
