When a birth parent contests an adoption, the legal process becomes significantly more complex. Adoption is designed to create a secure, permanent bond between adoptive parents and a child, but that process requires the termination of the birth parents’ legal rights. In most adoptions, this termination occurs voluntarily and early in the process. However, in […]

For adoptive parents, having access to a child’s medical history can make an enormous difference in planning care, supporting development, and protecting long-term health. Yet many children enter adoption with incomplete or missing medical records. This is especially true in cases of international adoption, foster care adoption, or situations where birth parents cannot provide details. […]

Adoption is rarely confined to state borders. Many families find themselves matched with birth parents or children living in another part of the country. While the decision to adopt across state lines can create beautiful opportunities, it also introduces an additional layer of legal complexity. That complexity is governed by the Interstate Compact on the […]

Adoption is one of the most meaningful ways to grow a family. It can bring joy, stability, and a lifelong bond between parents and children. But while the rewards of adoption are profound, the process is also full of legal and emotional complexities. Some families choose to pursue independent adoption—also known as private adoption—without the […]

Adoption changes more than your daily life. It also affects your long-term financial and legal planning. One of the most important steps adoptive parents often overlook is updating their will. A will directs how your assets are distributed, who cares for your children, and what protections are in place for your family. If you adopt […]

Adoption is a life-changing event, creating new families and new beginnings. But while the emotional aspects of adoption often receive attention, the practical steps matter just as much. One of the most important of these steps is school enrollment. Whether your child is starting preschool, transferring schools, or entering a new district, you will need […]

Adoption is a life-changing journey filled with excitement, hope, and challenges. For adoptive parents, one of the most stressful parts of the process can be the revocation period. This is the time frame when a birth parent may legally withdraw consent to the adoption. Understanding both the legal and emotional aspects of revocation periods is […]

Adopting a child is one of the most beautiful journeys, but it can also bring financial challenges.  That’s why there’s an Adoption Tax Credit—a financial help from Uncle Sam. And now, the credit just got better for families in 2025. What’s Changing? Starting with the 2025 tax year—so when you file your taxes in 2026—the […]

When you adopt a child, you may want to change their name. This is common and can be an important part of helping the child feel like part of the family. In many cases, you can change the child’s name during the adoption process. If not, you can still do it after the adoption is […]

Celebrating Gotcha Day is a meaningful milestone for adoptive families. It marks the day a child joins their new family and symbolizes a fresh start filled with love, hope, and commitment. This special occasion is celebrated by families who want to honor the journey of adoption and the moment when the child became a permanent […]