Towson Same-Sex Adoption Lawyer
There is good news for same-sex couples in Towson, and all throughout Maryland, who are considering adopting a child. The adoption process is fairly straightforward and in the Free State, same-sex couples are treated the same as heterosexual couples. The Maryland Supreme Court decided in 2016 that eligible adults have a fundamental right to raise their children and parent them, even when they do not have adoptive or biological status. Under the same ruling, adoption agencies are also prohibited from discriminating against same-sex couples.
The most crucial step in the adoption process, for both same-sex and heterosexual couples, is to obtain strong legal representation. With an experienced Towson same-sex adoption lawyer on your side, you can rest assured that you will have guidance throughout the process, and that all of your concerns will be addressed.
Requirements to Adopt in Towson
When it comes to adopting a child, Maryland is a fairly progressive state. To qualify to adopt a child, one must:
- Be at least 21 years old,
- Be physically and financially able to care for a child,
- Pass certain background checks, and
- Not appear on a sex offender registry or have a history of sexual abuse, child abuse, or domestic violence.
A Towson same-sex adoption lawyer can advise on your case and help ensure you meet the requirements. For example, you may be able to submit to a criminal background check online, and an attorney can assist you with it.
The Adoption Process in Towson
Although the idea of adoption is fairly simple, it is still a legal process and one that can become quite complicated. The courts in Towson are very protective of the best interests of any child, and they know the impact a permanent adoption will have on a child for the rest of their life. As such, the courts will go to great lengths to make sure the long-term interests of the child remain the priority. Each court may have their own adoption process, but the typical steps include:
- A petition is submitted to the court asking a judge to grant a couple the legal authority to adopt a child.
- Both parents must undergo certain background checks, such as a criminal record check.
- Certain suitability assessments, such as a home assessment, are conducted.
- The court will appoint a guardian ad litem to protect the best interests of the child and to speak on the child’s behalf in court.
- The child may also have separate legal counsel appointed to them.
- The biological parents of the child will be notified of the adoption and have the opportunity to be heard in court, if the parental rights have not been terminated.
- There may be multiple court appearances to resolve different issues pertaining to the adoption.
- A final hearing will either grant or deny the adoption.
Get Help from Our Knowledgeable Same-Sex Adoption Lawyer in Towson
The adoption process is an emotional, confusing, and lengthy one. At Lebovitz Law, our Towson same-sex adoption lawyer can guide you through it while giving your family the best chance of a positive outcome. Call us now at (410) 657-6494 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
