Frequently Asked Questions about Adoption Law
1. My partner and I are pregnant. How early do I need to contact an attorney to start the adoption process?
We recommend that you sign a short term guardianship form about six weeks before your baby's due date. So, you should contact us around 3 months before the baby is due.
2. I am uncomfortable going to court. How many times will I have to appear in court for the adoption?
Typically, you only have to appear in court once. There are extenuating circumstances in which you would have to appear more than once, but that is rare.
3. We used an anonymous donor. How are we going to get the consent from the anonymous biological parent?
The court allows you to file a verified petition or an affidavit stating the cause for not knowing the identity of the second biological parent. After filing this court document, we also have to publish notice of the adoption.
4. Will the adoption process including getting a new birth certificate for the child?
Yes. After the adoption is complete, our office handles the forms necessary to revise and secure the new birth certificate for the child.
5. How quickly will the adoption be completed?
Under Illinois law, there is a mandatory waiting period of three months for related adoptions and six months for unrelated adoptions. This waiting period typically starts from your first court appearance.
6. We know that we want to travel soon. Should we wait until after our travels to start the adoption process?
No. You should go ahead and start the adoption process. If needed, we can secure a court order allowing you to travel with the child out of state. If your case is classified as an adoption that will make traveling inadvisable during the adoption process, we will at least have the paperwork started, so we can proceed to court upon your return.
Contact Chicago Adoption Law Attorneys
To schedule an appointment with an adoption or child custody attorney, call 773-878-4480 or contact us by e-mail.
