This information package contains summaries of state laws and links to resources to assist a prospective parent with an adoption. Purchase of this package is a savings of more than 50% over purchase of the informational documents individually!
This package contains the following information:
Who May Adopt, Be Adopted, or Place a Child for Adoption? - This briefing reviews state laws regarding parties to an adoption. General information dealing with who may adopt, who may be adopted, and who may place a child for adoption is identified. In order for an adoption to take place, a person available to be adopted must be placed in the home of a person or persons eligible to adopt. All states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands have laws that specify which persons are eligible as adopting parents and which persons can be adopted.
Standby Guardianship - This fact sheet defines the provisions of most standby guardian laws. Additionally, it broadly defines: how to establish a standby guardian, who can nominate a standby guardian, how the guardian s authority is activated, the involvement of the non-custodial parent, the relationship between authority of the parent and the standby, and withdrawing guardianship.
Placement of Children With Relatives - This publication summarizes state laws and statutes regarding placement of children with relatives when they are removed from their home and enter foster care. In order for states to receive federal payments for foster care and adoption assistance, federal law requires that they "consider giving preference to an adult relative over a nonrelated caregiver when determining placement for a child, provided that the relative caregiver meets all relevant state child protection standards." Most states give preference or priority to relative placements in their statutes. This publication discusses definitions of "relative," financial support for relative placement, and adoption by relatives.
Court Jurisdiction and Venue for Adoption Petitions - This informational guide provides the laws that specify the appropriate state courts, by type and location, for handling adoption petitions.
Consent to Adoption - This informational guide reviews state laws that specify the persons who must consent to a child's adoption, time frames for consent, and guidelines for revocation of consent.
The Rights of Presumed (Putative) Fathers - This publication discusses the rights of the alleged fathers of children born out-of-wedlock and whether states have registries for such fathers.
Online Resources for State Child Welfare Law and Policy - This guide provides links to websites where state statutes and regulations can be accessed and lists the parts of each state and territory's code that contain laws addressing child protection, child welfare, and adoption.
Title: Understanding International Adoption Lawyers with Felonies: A Comprehensive Overview Introduction: International adoption lawyers play a crucial role in facilitating the legal processes involved in adopting a child from another country. However, in some cases, these professionals may have prior felony convictions. This article aims to provide a detailed description of what an international adoption lawyer with a felony entails, while highlighting the potential types of lawyers involved in this unique situation. 1. What is an International Adoption Lawyer with a Felony? An international adoption lawyer with a felony is an attorney who specializes in adoption law, focusing particularly on international adoptions, yet possesses a prior criminal record. These professionals are dedicated to helping families navigate the complex legal requirements associated with adopting a child from another country, ensuring compliance with both domestic and international laws. 2. Types of International Adoption Lawyers with Felonies: a. Reformed Felon Adoption Lawyers: These lawyers are individuals who have previously been convicted of a felony but have since been rehabilitated and are active practitioners in international adoption law. They leverage their personal experiences to help clients facing similar circumstances navigate the complexities of the legal system effectively. b. Felony-Related Specialists: These adoption lawyers specialize in cases specifically related to felonies or have dealt with clients who have faced felony charges in the past. While their focus may not be exclusively on international adoption, they possess deep knowledge and expertise in dealing with the unique challenges faced by families seeking adoption with a felony background. c. Ex-Convict Adoption Lawyers: Ex-convict adoption lawyers are legal professionals who have successfully completed their sentences and probationary periods after being convicted of a felony. These lawyers possess an understanding of the criminal justice system and can provide empathetic legal advice to clients facing similar background-related adoption challenges. 3. Functions and Responsibilities: Regardless of the type, international adoption lawyers with a felony have specific roles and responsibilities, including: a. Legal Counsel: Providing legal guidance to prospective adoptive parents throughout the international adoption process, ensuring compliance with international and domestic legal requirements. b. Adoption Documentation: Assisting in the preparation and completion of necessary legal documents and paperwork, such as compliance with home study requirements and immigration processes. c. Advocacy: Representing their clients' interests during court proceedings, negotiations, and meetings with government agencies, adoption agencies, or birth parents. d. Compliance and Due Diligence: Ensuring adherence to relevant laws, policies, and regulations, including ethical considerations involved in international adoptions. e. Post-Adoption Support: Offering ongoing legal support and assistance after the adoption is finalized, addressing any post-adoption issues that may arise. Conclusion: International adoption lawyers with a felony provide invaluable legal assistance to individuals and families looking to adopt internationally, bringing their unique expertise and understanding to the table. Reformed felons, felony-related specialists, and ex-convict adoption lawyers are among the various types of professionals who can navigate the complexities of international adoption law while addressing the sensitive nature of clients' felony backgrounds. Seeking professional legal guidance in international adoption with a felony can help prospective parents navigate the process successfully while ensuring compliance with legal requirements.