Kane County, IL Adoption Lawyers

Family Law Attorneys for Clients Ready to Adopt a Child in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles

The decision to adopt is one of the most rewarding and life-changing moments for a family. Welcoming a new child brings great joy to the home, gives the child a chance for a better life, and enriches the family in countless ways. Adoption is a long and often difficult journey, however, and to be successful, you need an in-depth understanding of the process and an effective legal strategy.

At Patankar Law P.C., we have extensive experience helping clients with adoptions and other family law matters in Illinois. Our attorneys are knowledgeable, responsive, compassionate, and committed to providing the individualized representation our clients deserve. We take the time to listen to you and fully understand your unique needs and goals, so we can develop the right solution to ensure a favorable outcome. Our attorney, Monica P. Patankar serves as a certified Guardian Ad Litem on cases involving adoption in both Kane and DuPage County, Illinois.

Types of Adoption in Illinois

There are numerous scenarios under which an individual or couple may choose to adopt, including:

• International Adoptions
• Local Adoptions
• Interstate Adoptions
• Intercountry Adoptions
• Agency Adoptions
• Private Adoptions
• Open Adoptions
• Stepparent Adoptions
• Relative Adoptions
• Adult Adoptions
• Related Adoptions
• Foster Parent Adoptions

Local adoptions in which both the adoptive parent(s) and birth parent(s) reside in the state of Illinois are easier than interstate or inter-country adoptions, but there are still several lengthy steps involved. To qualify, the adoptive parent(s) must be at least 21 years of age or older. In addition, they must obtain a license to adopt from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), undergo an extensive background check, and complete a home study with a social worker to verify their legal capacity to adopt. If these steps go smoothly, they are either matched with a child (if they are working with an agency) or if they already know the child they intend to adopt, they may begin the family court proceeding.

Interstate,Intercountry, and International Adoptions

If you are involved in an out-of-state adoption in which the child resides in a state other than Illinois, you must comply with the laws of both states in accordance with the Interstate Compact on Placement of Children (ICPC). If this is an intercountry adoption and the other country is a signatory to the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption (roughly 90 countries including the United States are signatories), you must work with an agency that is Hague-accredited, and fully comply with all Convention procedures. If you are adopting a child from a country that is not a Hague signatory, the requirements are different, but the process is still very complicated.

Speak with a Compassionate Kane County Adoption Attorney

Adopting a child is an exciting yet challenging process, but there are great rewards at the end of the journey. At Patankar Law P.C., we stand alongside you to help you effectively navigate the complexities of the process, so you can experience the joy of welcoming a new member into your home. Contact us today at [phone]] to speak with one of our attorneys. From our office in Aurora, Illinois we serve clients throughout Kane County including Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, Yorkville, Oswego, Montgomery, Naperville, Lisle, and Warrenville.