Wheaton, IL Adoption Lawyers

Caring Attorneys Helping Families With Adoption in Wheaton, Illinois

Adoption is an incredible act of kindness. There are also many legal considerations that go into an adoption, some of which can obstruct prospective parents from giving a child a home. A skilled family law attorney can provide legal guidance and strong representation in adoption cases, no matter how complicated the circumstances may be.

At Roberts PC, our adoption lawyers are ready to advocate for you in and outside of the courtroom. We have extensive experience handling sensitive family law issues, including highly delicate child custody cases. When you work with our firm, you can rest assured that will stand up for your rights and pursue the best outcome for the adoption.

Types of Adoption

Every adoption case is unique. The adoptive parents might be total strangers to the child prior to adoption, or they might have already been relatives taking the child in after a change of circumstances. The state of Illinois recognizes multiple types of legal adoption, including:

• Agency Adoption: When a child is placed into the care of a private adoption agency, a prospective parent can legally file for adoption. In an agency adoption, the biological parents must have surrendered their rights to raise the child.
• Private Adoption: This kind of adoption takes place behind closed doors through an agreement between the biological parents and the parents looking to adopt.
• Related Adoption: This kind of adoption applies to prospective parents who already have a familial relationship with the child, such as step-parents, grandparents, or siblings.
• Adult Option: Adopting an adult is permitted as long as the adult gives consent. This type of adoption may be used to establish family relationships and ensure that a person can receive an inheritance.

Who Is Eligible To Adopt?

In Illinois, you are permitted to adopt a child if you are at least 18 years old, of sound mind, and have lived in the state for no less than six months. If you have a criminal record, it may be held against you based on your ability to provide a stable environment for the child. A conviction of a violent offense or a crime against a child may disqualify you from adopting.

In addition, the presence of certain disabling conditions may bar you from adopting. Specifically, if you are deemed unable to manage your own affairs due to a mental illness or physical impairment, you will be considered legally disabled and unable to adopt. Substance abuse issues or vices such as gambling addictions may be considered when determining a parent's eligibility for adoption.

The Role of a Guardian ad Litem in Adoptions

A guardian ad litem (GAL) is a court-appointed attorney who represents a child's best interests. They are often appointed in complex child custody cases, but a judge may also call for a GAL during a petition for adoption. The role of the GAL is to investigate the prospective parent or parents to see if they can provide for the child's physical and emotional needs. As part of this investigation, the GAL may visit the home of the parents and conduct several interviews to get a full picture.

When the GAL has completed their investigation, they will make a formal recommendation to the court about whether the adoption is in the child's best interests.

Meet With a Wheaton Adoption Attorney

If you are considering adoption, a family law attorney can help you with the process and advocate for your rights. At Roberts PC, our skilled Wheaton adoption lawyers are ready to sit down with you to learn about your situation so that we can provide you with top-notch representation. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 630-668-4211 today or contact us online.