Adopting a child can be an incredibly rewarding life experience. Adoptive parents have the chance to provide a stable, nurturing family for a child who may lack it, which can be invaluable for their emotional and social well-being as they grow older.
If you are interested in adopting a child, our Albany adoption lawyers may be able to help. At Tully Rinckey PLLC, our team of family attorneys is familiar with the legal minutiae for adoptions in the State of New York and can assist you in meeting the legal requirements. Our goal is to guide you through the entire adoption process and make it as smooth and painless for you as possible.
Generally, any adult may adopt any other individual in New York, according to New York Domestic Relations Law §110. For example, an unmarried individual may adopt another individual, as may any two unmarried intimate partners. However, if the person wishing to adopt is married, then both spouses must adopt together unless they have been separated for three years or more.
Additionally, in certain situations, minors may adopt an individual as well. Under NYDRL §110, a minor married couple may adopt a child born to either of them. Similarly, a minor spouse may adopt a previous child of their spouse.
New York State law mandates that an individual being adopted must consent to the adoption if they are fourteen years of age or older, according to NYDRL §111. Additionally, if the person being adopted is a minor child under eighteen years of age, the following individuals must also consent to the adoption:
Regular contact with the child may include monthly visits or regular support payments. However, NYDRL §111 stipulates that infrequent or occasional contact does not give a parent of a child born out of wedlock the right to block an adoption.
Additionally, any agency or organization with current custody of the child must consent to the adoption, as per NYDRL §111. An adoption lawyer in Albany can provide more information on which types of consent may be required before an adoption may be finalized.
Albany courts generally permit adoption orders from foreign jurisdictions, including foreign countries, under NYDRL §111-C. Such an adoption order has the same legal force as an adoption carried out under New York State law. However, both of the following conditions must be met:
If you require more information on foreign adoptions and how to execute such adoptions in New York, you can benefit from contacting an Albany adoption attorney as soon as possible.
Prospective parents seeking to adopt a child should not have to spend an inordinate length of time puzzling out the legal intricacies of adoption. Your focus should rightly be on preparing yourself and your family for the addition of a new member.
That is where a dedicated Albany adoption lawyer can help. The Tully Rinckey PLLC legal team can assist you with the required legal formalities and filings. Furthermore, we can explain the process to you in a manner that makes sense and keeps you informed every step of the way.
With our assistance, you could make your adoption goal a reality. Make sure you have all the legal help you need by contacting an Albany adoption attorney today. Call 5182187100 or email info@tullylegal.com to get started.
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