Gevurtz Menashe Blog

Each year, November is recognized as National Adoption Awareness Month. The mission of National Adoption Month is to celebrate families who have grown through adoption, and to recognize the many children who are still waiting for forever families. This past year, we’ve had the honor and privilege of being a part of the adoption journey of many families. While each journey has its own unique circumstances and celebration, there are a few recurring themes:

It’s a time of major celebration:

Adding another member to your family—no matter what avenue you choose is a transformative experience for everyone involved. We know first-hand this life-changing process is unique for everyone. 

For our adoption families, the process is much more than a one-time legal transaction—it is truly a lifelong journey and one that we take tremendous pride in as stewards of this process.   

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to “family”:

Building a family is a unique journey for each individual and couple. These days, creating families isn’t just a “one size fits all” approach.  With advancements in technology, changing cultural norms, new priorities, career trends, and new forms of communication powered by the Internet, there are more options than ever for people looking to grow their family. Although the definition of “family” continues to evolve, the challenges remain real and the need to provide alternatives for those desiring to grow their family is blind to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender. 

It can be a process:

Adoption laws, policies and practices are extremely complicated. In many cases, the process involves complex legal paperwork, completing a home study, negotiating an adoption contract, background checks, and adhering to state and federal guidelines. Different laws apply depending on the type of adoption that fits your family’s needs.  Here’s a quick look at some of the various adoption processes:
 

• Private/independent adoptions: An attorney can help create a clear, well-written adoption contract that benefits everyone.
• Agency-assisted adoptions: Adoption agencies typically have a more rigid process but offer more training than a private adoption. We clients decide which approach is right for them.
• International/intercultural adoptions: Customs, laws, and regulations surrounding adoption differ across international borders. We help clients navigate these issues and can work side by side with an immigration lawyer and agencies that specialize in international adoption.
• Step-parent adoptions: Adopting a stepchild typically requires consent from the noncustodial parent, who will relinquish parental rights and responsibilities. We help families navigate this process.
• Foster care adoptions: When it comes to adopting a child in the foster care system, the courts give priority to relatives and people with a past close relationship to the child, but anyone can explore the possibility of adopting a child in the foster care system.

No matter what type of adoption you may be considering, adoption laws are complicated. It is important to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines. Using a reputable adoption agency and an experienced adoption attorney will help you navigate the process with ease and confidence to get your family to a place of celebration.

We are a community of resources

As family law attorneys, we understand the complexities and nuances of adoption law in Oregon and Washington.  We know firsthand the experience of creating or expanding a family extends far beyond the legal considerations. Part of our role as attorneys in the process is to help our clients build a community of resources and professionals who have experience helping families make these important transitions. This support system might include parenting professionals, counselors, medical resources, and more.

Want to learn more?

For more nearly 40 years, Gevurtz Menashe have been providing counsel to families during some of the most pivotal transitions in life, including growing families through adoption. If you are exploring the idea of welcoming a new addition into your family through the adoption process, we are here to help. Feel free to give us a call at 503-227-1515, or schedule a consultation online.

Authored by family law attorneys, Emily Roberts and Brooke Ferris. With licenses in Oregon and Washington, they focus their practice exclusively on family law issues including providing legal support to families who are exploring adoption, surrogacy contracts and assisted reproductive technology (ART), and also helping individuals and families navigate issues of divorce, parenting and custody , and child and spousal support.