Adoptions

People who adopt children are doing the community a great service, and they are also making the world  a better place. Most of us look around and see societal challenges that need to be addressed, but too many times we wait for someone else to do something. When you stand up and walk the walk, you make a huge difference in the life of a child who needs a home, and you set a shining example for others in the process. Adoption isn’t for everyone, but it is something that everyone who would like to start or add to a family should certainly take into consideration.

You might think that the most common type of adoption involves a couple who cannot have a child biologically adopting a child so that they can start a family. This is something that often takes place, but the most common adoption scenario is when a married individual adopts the biological child of his or her spouse.

A stepparent adoption would be considered a private or independent adoption and these are usually facilitated by a Lawton family lawyer whose practice places an emphasis on adoption.  Private adoptions can also take place directly between a birth parent and the adoptive parent or parents with the assistance of an attorney.

Agency adoptions connect potential adoptive parents with children who are not known to them, and  the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) is the public agency you would go through to adopt a child who is currently a ward of the state. One can also choose to go through a licensed private adoption agency. These agencies place children from here in Oklahoma, around the country, and some even facilitate international adoptions.

It should be mentioned that in the state of Oklahoma any adult of good character is eligible to become an adoptive parent regardless of age, income level, or marital status.

For legal advice about adoptions, contact a Lawton OK family attorney to arrange for a free consultation.