How to Adopt a Baby in Maryland

The process of adopting a child is one filled with joy, hope, and excitement. Are you considering adoption here in Maryland? It’s important to understand the process. The Rockville adoption attorneys at McCabe Russell are here to help make your adoption experience run as smoothly as possible.

How do I decide what type of adoption is right for me?

Here are the most popular types of adoption:

• Private domestic infant adoption, which involves adopting a newborn or infant within the United States, often facilitated through an adoption agency or a Rockville adoption
• Foster care adoption, which provides a home to children in the foster care system who cannot return to their biological families.
• International adoption, which involves adopting a child from another country. This process requires compliance with U.S. and foreign government regulations.
• Relative (or kinship) adoption, which involves adopting a family member like a niece, nephew, or grandchild. This is often used to keep the child within their biological family.
• Stepparent adoption, which allows a stepparent to legally adopt their spouse’s child, creating a unified family.

Your choice depends on your preferences, budget, and circumstances. Speaking with one of our adoption attorneys at McCabe Russell can help you determine which option best aligns with your goals.

What are Maryland’s adoption requirements?

Before beginning the adoption process, you should know Maryland’s requirements for adoptive parents. You don’t have to be married to adopt, and both single individuals and couples can pursue an adoption. However, you must be at least 21 years old, demonstrate financial stability to care for a child, and pass a home study, which evaluates your readiness to adopt.

These requirements are designed to ensure the well-being of the child and help you prepare for the responsibilities of parenthood.

What is the home study process?

Your home study is one of the most important parts of adopting a baby in Maryland. The term might sound intimidating, but it’s really just a way to assess your ability to provide a stable and loving home to a child. This process typically includes the following:

• Background checks, which include state and federal criminal history checks and child abuse registries.
• A social worker visits your home to ensure it’s safe and suitable for a child.
• You’ll be interviewed and discuss your motivations for adopting, your parenting philosophy, and family dynamics.
• You’ll also need to provide financial records, medical history, and personal references.

A home study can take months to complete, so it’s important to start this process early. Our skilled Rockville adoption attorneys can guide you through gathering the necessary paperwork and preparing for a home visit.

Why should I work with an adoption attorney?

You may work with an adoption agency, an adoption attorney, or both. Adoption agencies can match prospective adoptive parents with expectant mothers and provide support services like counseling. Your adoption attorney plays an important role in ensuring that all legal requirements are handled properly. We can help you draft and file the necessary documents, represent you in court during the finalization process, and ensure compliance with Maryland adoption laws and interstate regulations (if applicable).

In private domestic adoptions, the next step is finding a match with a mother who has chosen adoption for her child. Your attorney can often facilitate this process, helping you connect with birth parents whose goals and values align with yours. In foster care or international adoption, the matching process may involve being paired with a child already waiting for adoption. This step can take time, so patience and flexibility are key to the process.

What are Maryland’s consent and relinquish laws?

Adoption involves a variety of steps, including obtaining consent from the child’s biological parents. Here in Maryland, a birth parent cannot legally consent to an adoption until after the child is born.

How do I finalize my Rockville adoption?

The final step in the adoption process is the legal finalization of your adoption. This typically involves a court hearing where a judge reviews the case and ensures the adoption is in the child’s best interests. During the hearing, our attorneys present evidence, like the home study report and consent forms, to demonstrate your willingness and readiness to parent a child. Once the judge approves the adoption, you receive a Final Decree of Adoption, which makes the relationship legally binding.

Frequently asked questions about adoption in Maryland

How long does the adoption process take in Maryland?

The timeline can vary, depending on the type of adoption. Domestic infant adoptions can take anywhere from several months to a year, while foster care adoptions may be shorter. International adoptions can take longer due to their additional legal requirements.

Can same-sex couples adopt in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland allows same-sex couples to adopt in our state, and the process is the same as for opposite-sex couples.

Can I adopt my stepchild?

Yes, stepparent adoption is a common process here in Maryland. It requires permission from the child’s other biological parent unless their parental rights have been terminated.

How can your Rockville adoption attorneys help me?

The experienced Rockville adoption attorneys at McCabe Russell are here to provide the following:

• Offering personalized service based on your family’s needs
• Handling the legal complexities so you can focus on building your family
• Advocating for your best interests and the best interests of your child.

Adopting a child can be one of the most rewarding decisions you ever make. Whether you’re just starting to explore adoption or you’re ready to begin the process, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Are you considering adoption in Maryland? The Rockville adoption attorneys at McCabe Russell can help you through the entire process, from understanding your options all the way to finalizing your adoption. Let’s work together to make your dream of becoming a parent a reality. Call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule a meeting with a compassionate lawyer. We also maintain offices in Fulton, Bethesda, and Columbia.