Adoptions in North Carolina include independent (“private”) adoptions, stepparent and other relative adoptions, agency adoptions, and other less common types of adoptions.  Caleigh has represented both birth parents and adoptive parents (in separate adoptions) in contested and uncontested adoptions.    

In an independent adoption, also referred to as a private adoption, adoptive parents find and connect directly with a birth parent and work with Caleigh to take the necessary legal steps instead of utilizing an adoption agency.  Because they are working directly with their own attorney and the birth parent without going through an agency, some adoptive parents find a private adoption allows them to have a better understanding of and greater sense of control over each step of the adoption process.    

In a stepparent adoption, a stepparent seeks to adopt his or her spouse’s child and become that child’s legal parent.  Stepparent adoptions are an option for both opposite-sex and same-sex married couples.  The stepparent’s spouse (who is the biological parent of the child) must consent to the adoption.  As for the other biological parent of the child, that parent must also consent to the adoption, unless that parent’s parental rights are terminated pursuant to a court order.  In some cases, the stepchild to be adopted must also consent to the stepparent adoption.

A relative adoption occurs when the adoptive parents are related to the child, such as when the adoptive parents are the child’s grandparents, great grandparents, aunt or uncle, or adult sibling.  Among other things, adoption gives the relative, who is essentially raising the child, legal authority to make important decisions concerning the child’s health, education, and general welfare.  A relative adoption also creates a stable environment for the child that cannot be disrupted by a parent who suddenly decides to retrieve the child from the relative with whom the child has been living even on a long-term basis. 

Adoption can be a complex legal process.  Caleigh will explain the adoption process, talk with you about the legal differences between custody and adoption, and advise you on which option is the more viable, appropriate approach based on the specific facts of your case.  In all adoptions, the parental rights of the child’s biological parents must be addressed either by the parents consenting to the adoption, the court terminating either or both parents’ parental rights, or the court determining a parent’s consent to the adoption is not required.  When you meet with Caleigh, she will determine which approach is necessary based on your particular circumstances.  She will assist you in obtaining the necessary consents (or termination of parental rights) and guide you through the additional steps that may be required in your adoption such as a pre-placement assessment and/or post-placement assessment.  Caleigh will prepare the required legal documents and help you finalize the adoption in court.

Contact Caleigh at EVANS FAMILY LAW for a consultation to discuss the adoption process or questions you may have about whether adoption or custody is the most appropriate approach in your case.