Growing Your Family With Our Help

Adopting a child should be one of the more joyful parts of family law. And while it does come with a lot of good things, there are some very definite and real difficulties. Adoption is never easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

At New Bridge Family Law, our attorneys are dedicated to helping people in Jacksonville grow their families in whatever way they want. There are many types of adoption to pursue, and as certified North Carolina family law experts, we can educate you on what’s ahead.

We routinely provide answers to questions such as:

What is private adoption?

Private adoption is the option of going through a private agency to adopt a child. Private adoption agencies – which can be domestic or international in nature – have rigorous standards and must meet state guidelines. Public adoption is another option. However, public adoption is for children who may be under state supervision or in foster care already.

Should I pursue international adoption?

The choice to pursue international adoption is personal, and we cannot really tell you one way or another. What we can tell you is that international adoptions are typically more complex, from a legal standpoint and more expensive. However, your options to adopt a newborn child are often greater internationally than if you stayed within North Carolina.

Can I adopt my stepchild?

You can absolutely adopt your stepchild. However, this is a complicated process. While overall, it may be less difficult to adopt a stepchild than in other adoption scenarios, there are still some important legal issues. The greatest one is ending the parental rights of the noncustodial biological parent.

How do parental rights impact adoption?

In every adoption in North Carolina, stepparent and otherwise, one important piece is providing proof of the termination of parental rights to the child. This can be done through either a petition from the other parent, from social services or from anyone who has lived with the child for enough time.

However, without terminating the parental rights of the other parent, an adoption cannot go forward.

We’re Here To Help

Adoption is complicated, and you deserve the help that will help build your family with care and security. Contact us today to learn more about what sets us apart. Call 910-938-7191 or send us an email.