Glen Burnie, MD Adoption Lawyers

Empathetic Adoption Lawyers for Parents in Glen Burnie, Maryland

Adopting a child is one of the kindest, most selfless acts that a parent can do. That being said, there are plenty of laws and regulations surrounding adoption in Maryland that can slow down the process. If you are considering adoption, a Glen Burnie adoption attorney can provide you with legal advice and representation to support you in your petition.

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we have decades of experience handling complicated family law cases. Attorney Marla Zide has personally helped clients with adoption cases in the past, and she is highly familiar with the procedures behind public and private adoptions. We are passionate about helping children find the right home, and we are more than ready to assist parents looking to adopt.

What Is the Difference Between an Open or Closed Adoption?

There are many different ways of going about adoption. Sometimes, a child's biological parents will want to remain in contact with the child after the adoption and play some kind of role in their life with the blessing of the adoptive parents, known as an open adoption. However, adoptive and biological parents can also opt into a closed adoption where neither has contact with the other.

As a prospective adoptive parent, it is up to you to decide whether you want an open or closed adoption. An open adoption can provide the child with additional support in their life and potentially give closure about their birth parents, but a closed adoption can provide the family with privacy and emotional boundaries. At Zide Law Group, LLC, we will take the time to understand your priorities and work towards your preferred solution.

Agency Adoptions in Maryland

Working with a public or private agency can help to streamline the process of adopting a child. You could consider going to a private agency if you want to be matched with a child who will integrate well into your family.

As part of the adoption process with a private agency, you will have to participate in a home study to determine whether you are fit to take care of a child. Additionally, you and every adult member of your household will be required to submit to a background check. At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can provide you with advice and representation as you collaborate with a private agency.

Public adoption agencies are considerably different from private agencies. The Department of Human Services will place a child up for adoption after the birth parents' rights have been terminated. Children in public agencies are part of the state's foster care system, so there is a chance that the child's birth parents could regain custody during the foster period, before their parental rights are terminated. As with private adoption, parents going through a public agency must participate in a home study.

Relative Adoptions

In Maryland, adopting a child you are related to may involve slightly different procedures. In any case, the parents' rights must be terminated. The parents can choose to give up their rights willingly, or you can petition to have their rights revoked if they are unable or unwilling to take care of the child. Additionally, you may be required to participate in a home study, though courts sometimes waive this in relative adoptions.

There are many benefits to adopting a relative, for both the child and adoptive parents. At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can walk you through the process of pursuing a relative adoption, including answering questions from the courts of family law.

Meet With a Glen Burnie, Maryland Adoption Attorney

At Zide Law Group, LLC, our Glen Burnie adoption lawyers are here to support you through the process of taking a child into your family. We pride ourselves on providing each client with focused, supportive & personalized attention.Call us at 410-760-9433 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.