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March 10, 2021

An Adoption Lawyer vs. An Adoption Agency

Women considering adoption have a lot to consider when choosing an adoption professional. You can take multiple avenues, but first, it’s helpful to understand the different types of support available to you, such as an adoption agency or adoption law firm. 

What are adoption lawyers? They are professionals who specialize in the legal aspect of adoption. Their job is to protect the legal rights of all parties involved. Legal finalization is required for all adoptions, regardless of what state you’re in, so you will eventually cross paths with an attorney, but some choose to access legal services only in the finalization stage. Working with an adoption attorney is common in situations where a birth family would like to explore finding an adoption opportunity independently or have already secured an opportunity and need support managing the legal side of the adoption process. 

Working with a legal professional alongside an adoption agency is the most recommended option, but everyone’s situations are different. There are a few reasons why someone would choose to work solely with an adoption attorney: 

  • It’s cost-effective. Adoption is expensive, so barring any major legal issues, working with an attorney can eliminate certain costs. 
  • You may not need all of the services that an agency provides. 
  • You have already found an adoption opportunity that you are ready and want to commit to.  

When it comes to making your decision, only one thing matters: what do you need? If you need a legal professional to help finalize paperwork and ensure that all the legal steps are completed and accounted for, an adoption attorney is maybe the right choice for you. If you seek more guidance, assistance with matching with a family, and ongoing financial support, counseling, and resources to help you get through your pregnancy and adoption, an adoption agency may be a better fit. Ours is an all-inclusive experience that guides you from the point at which you want to choose adoption, all the way through birth—including the legal aspects every step of the way. 

Would you like to know more about our services and how we can help you through your adoption process?

 

Additional resources for you:

Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys provides access to an international network of attorneys.