Adoption

North Carolina families come in many different shapes and sizes. There is no one way to start, grow, and protect your family. What matters is that your family cares for each other. That’s why Meridian Law Office is proud to take part in the legal adoption process in North Carolina for those who take this approach to solidifying their family.

Adoption in North Carolina involves a legal process through which individuals or couples become the legal parents of a child who is not biologically theirs. There are several types of adoption in North Carolina, including:

  • Domestic adoption: Adopting a child who is a resident of North Carolina, whether through an agency, private arrangement, or foster care.
  • International adoption: Adopting a child from another country and bringing them to North Carolina to live permanently.
  • Stepparent adoption: A stepparent legally adopts their spouse’s child from a previous relationship.
  • Relative adoption: A relative, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or sibling, adopts a child within their family.

The North Carolina Adoption Process

The adoption process in North Carolina involves several steps before the process is finalized, including:

  • Pre-placement assessment: Prospective adoptive parents may undergo a home study and background checks to ensure they are suitable to adopt.  The assessment may be waived in certain circumstances. 
  • Placement: If the child is not already living with the adoptive family, once the home is approved,a child is placed with the adoptive family, either through an agency, private arrangement, or foster care.
  • Adoption Legal proceedings: The adoptive parents must file a petition for adoption with the court. A hearing may be held to finalize the adoption, at which point the adoptive parents become the child’s legal parents.

Consent Requirements in North Carolina Adoption Cases

In most cases, consent must be obtained from various parties before an adoption can proceed. This may include the birth parents, the child (if old enough), and any legal guardians or agencies involved in the child’s care.

Termination of Parental Rights

In some cases, parental rights must be terminated before an adoption can take place. This may occur voluntarily if the birth parents consent to the adoption, or involuntarily if the court determines that it is in the best interests of the child to terminate parental rights due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

Finalization of Adoption

Once the adoption is finalized, the adoptive parents have all the legal rights and responsibilities of biological parents, and the adopted child has the same legal status as a biological child.

Legal Assistance in North Carolina Adoptions

Adoptive parents are encouraged to seek legal assistance from an attorney who focuses in adoption law to navigate the complexities of the adoption process and ensure that their rights and the best interests of the child are protected. Adoption laws and procedures can vary depending on the circumstances of the adoption and the jurisdiction. Prospective adoptive parents should consult with an experienced attorney familiar with North Carolina’s adoption laws for personalized guidance.