The decision to adopt a new child, a stepchild or a close relative is an exciting time, but the legal paperwork and multi-step processes of adoption can be daunting.
Did you know the late Steve Jobs was the product of an open adoption? There are estimated to be more than 400,000 children in the foster care system, and more than 100,000 of them are eligible for adoption.
Nearly 8,000 foster children in Florida are waiting to be adopted, according to the North American Council on Adoptable Children?
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Some benefits to legal adoption for both the adoptee and the adoptive parent include:
- The child becomes legally a member of the family and all its members can have the same surname.
- Once the adoption occurs, the adopted child shares rights of inheritance with any other children of the family.
A lawyer can walk you through each step of the adoption process, ensuring that the adoption runs smoothly. Contact a lawyer and explore your options.