An Easy-To-Understand Adoption Definition
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by: JeanRennick
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Word Count: 508
The adoption process can be so complex, that some people are turned off the idea. But, with the right information, the adoption process doesn't have to seem insurmountable. One part of the right information, is understanding adoption, and the adoption process.
Adoption, broadly defined, is a legal process that creates a permanent legal relationship between a couple or single adult, and a child. In many, but not all, cases, childless couples are matched with orphans, children without parents. A large part of adoption is this matching process.
Because adoption is a legal matter, it does go further than simply creating acceptable family matches. Parental responsibilities and rights are given to the adoptive parents. The adoptive child is granted the status of a natural family member, and the legal, social and emotional rights associated with that.
When the process of adoption is complete, the adopted child has the same rights as a biological child, including the legal rights of inheritance.
Adoption finalization includes court proceedings to identify the biological parents of the child, and ensure that their rights are not violated. In doing so, the result is a fair, lawful and legal adoption that can withstand any external conflicts.
The identification of the biological parents can be difficult, depending in part on the state laws in effect, and the circumstances of the adoption. A typical scenario involves a ward of the court--a child that is orphaned due to the court's termination of the parental rights of the biological parents.
When the biological parent is a single teenage mother, often the court proceedings to terminate her parental rights occur at the same time as the adoption is being finalized.
During the adoption finalization, the family court judge reviews the gathered information about both sets of parents, adoptive and biological, and the child. This information can include:
* results of the home study
* an evaluation of the adopting parents and an assessment of their ability to take custody of the child
* reports from any pre-adoption counseling
* notes and recommendations compiled by the caseworker
and any other information requested by the judge.
The following groups of people generally attend the adoption proceedings:
* the adoptive parents with their adoption attorney
* the biological parents with their adoption attorney
* the adoptive child or children
* the legal advocate for the child
* the child's caseworker
* the caseworkers of both the adoptive parents and the biological parents.
After reviewing all of the provided information, a decision on the adoption petition is rendered by the judge. If the judge approves, the adoption is finalized, and a legal Adoption Decree is issued by the courts.
About the Author
If you or someone you know is considering adoption, visit Adoption.2byt.com for more information about the process, the difficulties and the unending rewards of adoption. Don't reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.
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