Grand Rapids Adoption Attorneys

Helping Families Grow in West Michigan

Adoption is a wonderful way to grow your family and provide a loving home for a child. However, the process can be complex and time-consuming. It is important to have an experienced attorney on your side to help you navigate the legal requirements and ensure that your rights are protected.

At Thacker Sleight, we have extensive experience handling all types of adoptions. We understand the unique challenges that can arise in these cases, and we work closely with our clients to provide the strong legal guidance they need. Our attorneys are skilled litigators who are not afraid to take on complex cases, and we have a proven track record of success. When you choose us, you can be confident that your case is in good hands.

Call (616) 300-2367 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Grand Rapids adoption lawyers.

Types of Adoption Cases We Handle

Our attorneys have extensive experience handling all types of adoption cases. We represent birth parents, adoptive parents, and other parties in these matters, and we have a proven track record of success. We can help you understand the legal requirements for adoption and guide you through the process.

We handle all types of adoption cases, including:

• Stepparent adoptions: Stepparent adoptions are the most common type of adoption. In these cases, a stepparent adopts his or her spouse’s child. Stepparent adoptions are generally straightforward, but they still require the assistance of an experienced attorney.
• Relative adoptions: Relative adoptions are similar to stepparent adoptions, but they involve a relative adopting a child. These cases can be more complex than stepparent adoptions, but we can help you navigate the process.
• Private adoptions: Private adoptions involve a birth parent placing a child for adoption with a private adoptive family. These cases can be complex, and it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side to protect your rights.
• International adoptions: International adoptions involve adopting a child from another country. These cases can be very complex, and they require the assistance of an attorney who is familiar with the Hague Convention and other international adoption laws.
• Adult adoptions: Adult adoptions involve an adult adopting another adult. These cases are generally straightforward, but they still require the assistance of an experienced attorney.
• Adoptions by same-sex couples: Same-sex couples have the same rights as opposite-sex couples when it comes to adoption. However, these cases can be more complex, and it is important to have an attorney who is familiar with the unique challenges that can arise in these cases.

How to Adopt a Child in Michigan

Adopting a child in Michigan is a complex process that involves several steps. The process can take several months or even years, depending on the type of adoption and other factors. It is important to have an experienced attorney on your side to help you navigate the process and ensure that your rights are protected.

The steps to adopt a child in Michigan include:

1. Choose an adoption agency: The first step in the adoption process is to choose an adoption agency. There are many adoption agencies in Michigan, and it is important to choose one that is reputable and has experience handling the type of adoption you are pursuing. The agency will help you complete the necessary paperwork and guide you through the process.
2. Complete a home study: All prospective adoptive parents must complete a home study. A home study is an evaluation of your home and family to ensure that you are fit to be an adoptive parent. The home study process involves several steps, including an interview, a home visit, and a background check. The home study process can take several months to complete, so it is important to start the process as soon as possible.
3. Complete the necessary paperwork: Once you have completed the home study, you will need to complete the necessary paperwork to finalize the adoption. The paperwork includes a petition for adoption, a consent to adoption, and other documents. The paperwork must be completed accurately and submitted to the court in a timely manner. Our attorneys can help you complete the necessary paperwork and ensure that it is submitted correctly.
4. Attend a hearing: After the paperwork has been submitted, you will need to attend a hearing. The hearing is a formal proceeding where the judge will review the paperwork and ask you questions about the adoption. The judge will then issue an order of adoption, which finalizes the adoption. Our attorneys can represent you at the hearing and ensure that your rights are protected.

How Long Does It Take to Adopt a Child in Michigan?

The length of time it takes to adopt a child in Michigan depends on several factors, including the type of adoption and the age of the child. In general, the adoption process can take several months or even years to complete. It is important to be patient and work closely with your attorney to navigate the process.

The length of time it takes to adopt a child in Michigan depends on several factors, including:

• The type of adoption: There are several types of adoptions in Michigan, including stepparent adoptions, relative adoptions, private adoptions, international adoptions, and adult adoptions. The type of adoption you are pursuing will affect the length of time it takes to complete the process.
• The age of the child: The age of the child you are adopting will also affect the length of time it takes to complete the process. In general, it takes longer to adopt an older child than a younger child.
• The availability of children: The availability of children can also affect the length of time it takes to complete the process. There are many children in Michigan who are waiting to be adopted, but there are also many prospective adoptive parents. The more specific your adoption criteria, the longer it will take to find a match.
• The cooperation of the birth parents: If the birth parents are cooperative, the adoption process will go more smoothly and quickly. However, if the birth parents are uncooperative, the process can be delayed.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Child in Michigan?

The cost of adopting a child in Michigan depends on several factors, including the type of adoption and the age of the child. In general, the cost of adopting a child in Michigan can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. It is important to be prepared for the cost of adoption and work closely with your attorney to navigate the process.

The cost of adopting a child in Michigan can include:

• Adoption agency fees: Adoption agencies charge fees for their services, including the home study, the matching process, and the post-placement services. The cost of adoption agency fees can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
• Legal fees: You will also need to pay legal fees to finalize the adoption.
• Medical expenses: If you are adopting a newborn, you may need to pay for the birth mother’s medical expenses. The cost of medical expenses can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
• Travel expenses: If you are adopting a child from another state or country, you will need to pay for travel expenses. The cost of travel expenses can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
• Other expenses: There may be other expenses associated with the adoption, including the cost of background checks, fingerprinting, and other services. The cost of these expenses can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

How Our Grand Rapids Adoption Lawyers Can Help

Adopting a child is a complex process that involves several steps. It is important to have an experienced attorney on your side to help you navigate the process and ensure that your rights are protected. At Thacker Sleight, we have extensive experience handling all types of adoption cases, and we can help you understand the legal requirements for adoption and guide you through the process. We will work closely with you to understand your goals and develop a strategy that is tailored to your unique needs. Our attorneys are skilled litigators who are not afraid to take on complex cases, and we have a proven track record of success. When you choose us, you can be confident that your case is in good hands.

Call (616) 300-2367 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Grand Rapids adoption lawyers.