Baltimore, Maryland Adoption Attorneys

Lawyers Assisting With Adoption Cases in Baltimore

Adoption represents a significant change in the lives of parents and children alike. There are multiple different types of adoptions, some of which are more complicated than others. Adoptions can take place through public agencies (through the local department of social services) or private, licensed agencies. Independent adoptions may involve agreements made directly between biological parents and adoptive parents. These are often situations in which the adoption is not being contested (challenged or fought).

At Silverman Thompson, our family law attorneys can provide the legal help and representation needed to ensure that adoptions can be completed successfully. We advise adoptive parents of their legal options and the steps that must be followed during the adoption process. When an adoption involves disputed issues, we can provide legal representation during litigation, advocating for solutions that will provide for the best interests of a child and family.

Issues Addressed in Contested Adoption Cases

Some adoption cases may be more straightforward, such as step-parent adoptions in which both of a child's biological parents consent to the adoption. Other adoptions may involve more complex circumstances, such as when biological parents have had their parental rights terminated by the court and where children have been adjudicated "children in need of assistance" (CINA) who cannot be returned to their biological parents for their own safety and well-being. These cases may involve issues related to child neglect, abandonment, and abuse.

A contested adoption can be one of the most complex situations that may be addressed in family courts. Disputes may arise for many different reasons, including when a biological parent challenges the adoption that the other parent has pursued or when parental fitness is at issue.

In cases where a parent challenges an adoption and is unwilling to give up their parental rights, our attorneys can help clients determine how to address this issue. We may take steps to show that a parent is unfit and that their parental rights should be terminated, or we may demonstrate that a parent has not been involved in their child's life and has failed to provide support. We will work to ensure that adoptive parents can add a child to their family and establish permanent parental rights.

Legal Help With Adoption-Related Issues

While adoption law is multifaceted and the unique circumstances of each case will inform what type of adoption is being pursued, the legal steps followed during this process are essential. Steps will be taken to safeguard the rights of parents and children, and the completion of an adoption will help ensure that families will be bound together in the eyes of the law.

Adoption can take a long time – months to years, depending on the circumstances of the case. There are numerous legal requirements and extensive paperwork to be completed. It is a multistep endeavor that is best navigated with the help of an experienced attorney.

At Silverman Thompson, our family law team has successfully represented clients in contested adoption proceedings as well as agreed-upon stepparent adoptions. We make sure our clients understand all of the steps that will be followed during the adoption process. We can provide guidance on the best ways to resolve any issues that may arise, and we can help resolve disputes with biological parents or reach agreements that will protect the best interests of children.

Contact Our Baltimore, MD Adoption Lawyers

Our team of family law attorneys, which is led by Monica Scherer, can provide families with the legal help needed to complete adoption cases successfully. Whether an adoption involves an agency, a private agreement between parties, or contested issues and concerns related to parental fitness, we can help clients meet all of their legal requirements while advocating for their rights. Contact our Baltimore adoption litigation attorneys at 410-385-2225 to set up a consultation today.