Although adoption is usually a positive experience for families, it can take an emotional toll on the prospective parents. Sadly, few are aware of the challenges that they are likely to face, and so they may not be fully prepared for the process. Learn more in the following sections, including where you can find support during the adoption process. 

Understanding the Challenges of Adoption

Adoption, in and of itself, can be a stressful process. There are many forms to complete, and parents often worry whether they will be considered a “suitable” parent by the adoption agency. In addition, there may be challenges that are specific to the type of adoption that a parent is pursuing. For example, a mother may change her mind in an infant adoption, and the prospective parents may have to start the process over - and that can be painful if they have developed an attachment to the child. 

Families choose adoption for a variety of reasons. Whatever your family’s reasons may be, it is critical that you take the time to adequately prepare for the mental and emotional toll it can have on all involved parties. Learn more in the following sections, including how the aid of a seasoned family law attorney can help ease the process and improve the overall outcome. 

Educate Yourself on the Process

Prospective parents are not always prepared for the mentally and emotionally taxing adoption process, which often exacerbates matters even further. Thankfully, the risk of excessive and unnecessary stress can be reduced if prospective parents take the time to familiarize themselves with the adoption process, as well as any potential obstacles that may arise (i.e. a birth mother changing her mind). Parties are also encouraged to research the various types of adoption (i.e. foster adoption, international adoption, closed adoption, etc.) and the associated costs and requirements to help them in determining which avenue may be most suitable for their situation.

American families look quite different today than they did just a few short decades ago. In fact, recent studies have determined that approximately half of all families are blended, meaning there may be step-parents, step- or half-siblings, or any combination of the three. Some of these blended families co-parent with the biological parent (and perhaps the biological parent’s partner), but others find that a stepparent adoption is more appropriate for their situation. Learn more about the process, including how to determine if this may be an option for your family, and discover what an experienced attorney can do to help in the following sections.

Is Stepparent Adoption a Viable Option for Your Family?

Illinois state law does not allow a child to have three legal parents, so stepparent adoption may not be appropriate in every situation. Typically, they are reserved for situations in which one of the biological parents is deemed unfit or unsafe, but a stepparent adoption can also be pursued if the biological parent is uninterested in maintaining a relationship with the child. In the latter situation, parents and adopting step-parents must understand that consent—usually from the biological parent that would be relinquishing or losing their rights, but also sometimes the child, depending on the circumstances—is a critical element in stepparent adoption cases.

With more than 1.3 million employees nationwide, Walmart is America’s largest employer. In the past, it has been criticized for its lack of benefits, but the company has started to respond to the concerns, needs, and desires of its employees. Raising its hourly wage to $11 an hour was just a start; they have also added more benefits for parents – including those who are considering adoption. Learn more, including how an experienced attorney can help you successfully navigate your way through the complex and nuanced process of adoption.

Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave

Although some Walmart employees may be covered for maternity or paternity leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), their time away from work under this program is unpaid. To obtain compensation, new parents would have to request maternity or paternity leave. Starting in February, the company will extend the amount of time that parents can request – going from eight weeks of paid maternity leave to ten and two weeks of paternity leave to six. It is not clear if the company will continue to compensate full-time employees at a half-time rate when the changes go into effect, or if they will be able to also receive the full compensation benefit as salaried employees.

There are many ways to start or grow a family. Adoption, though often a complex process, can also be extremely rewarding. Learn more about which adoption options may be available to you, and discover how an experienced family law attorney can assist you and your family through the process with less stress and more time for your growing family.

Foster Child Adoption

There are more than 100,000 children awaiting adoption in the U.S. foster care system. Those who are not adopted will simply terminate out of the system, with no family to call their own. If you are not against adopting an older child, perhaps one with a troubled background that needs a loving, patient, and compassionate family, foster adoption may be the appropriate path for you.