Adoption Laws in North Carolina

Duplin County Family Law Attorneys

One of the greatest ways to expand your family and share the love is to adopt a child. In many cases, not only is the experience beneficial for you, but it can also remove a young child from a potentially dangerous or emotionally damaging situation. As noble as adoption may be, it is still a legal process that requires navigation through intricate systems and adhering to all sorts of complicated laws.

If you are thinking about adopting a child and bringing them into your family, our Kenansville and Wallace family law attorneys at Hunter & Price, P.A. can help you. It is always an exciting honor for us to help families come together and grow together. We cannot wait to guide you through the lengthy process so you can see your dream of adopting become a reality.

Specific Details Regarding Adoption

In North Carolina, anyone over the age of 18 may file for adoption. Interestingly enough, the law also permits adults to be adopted, although this is uncommon. However, if the person up for adoption is over the age of 12, they must give consent.

Open and Closed Adoptions

Adoption can be seen as a delicate family law issue to some people. The idea of a child's past being clouded or unknown can bother biological and adoptive parents. On the other hand, some are worried about the past being brought up.

Due to these divided opinions on the matter, there are two forms of adoption in North Carolina:

• Open: Information about the birth parents is not necessarily offered to adopting parties and the child but is available upon request. In some open adoptions, the birth parents are even granted permission to visit the child from time to time.
• Closed: Most records about the child and their birth parents are sealed away from the adopters and adoptee permanently, keeping their identities unknown.

Call (888) 721-2338 for All the Help You Need

Do not let legal requirements get in the way of your goal to adopt a child in need. Our Duplin County family law attorneys are ready to use all the tools available to us to finalize your adoption process on your behalf.