Adoption

Chicago Lawyer for Adoptive Parents

The Steele Law Firm is committed to building families. We offer a wide range of services to people interested in adoption. Adoption is an important procedure that should be pursued with the help of a skilled lawyer.

Ensuring that You Have Parental Rights

Most adoptions involve a child who is already in the care of the prospective parent. It is important to formalize your relationship if you want the many legal rights of a parent. This procedure may involve a home study to ensure that the arrangement is appropriate for the child.

Among the types of people who commonly seek adoption are:

A stepparent
A grandparent or other relative who steps in when the biological parents cannot care for the child
A biological parent's same-sex partner or other second parent outside of marriage
A foster parent

Illinois also has a relatively uncommon procedure called standby adoption. A terminally ill parent can provide for the future adoption of his or her child by a specific person. The adoption will become official if the parent dies or before then if the parent chooses. This is a stronger process than traditional guardianship and ensures that your children are protected in accordance with your wishes.

The Steele Law Firm is here to help all sorts of families get the legal rights they need. Contact us to discuss the benefits of formal adoption.

Helping You Expand Your Family

Adoption can give people who want to be parents the opportunity to bring a new child into their household. While many outside adoptions are facilitated by agencies, there are several reasons why you may want to consult with an attorney.

First, we can help you approach a reputable adoption agency and inform you about the legal issues surrounding any agreements you reach with it.

We can also work with you to carry out a private adoption in which no agency is involved. Private adoptions across state or international lines are particularly complex, and we have the experience to make sure these adoptions are done properly.