ADOPTION

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A new marriage is often accompanied by new children. And, oftentimes, the new parent desires to make his or her new child, their own. Though this process can be complicated and even thwarted by the child's other biological parent, there are numerous times when all interested parties agree that a step-parent adoption is a wonderful option. Regardless, Mr. Watson can help secure your step-parent adoption.

Normally, the untimely death of the biological parents of a child require that new custodians be appointed. While this process does not require an adoption, family members given custody sometimes decide an adoption is best. And, death is not the only context in which adoption by a family relative makes sense: abandonment at a young age, physical abuse, long-term incarceration, and chronic drug-abuse by the parent warrant an adoption.

Being a foster parent for children in need is a heroic and selfless calling.  Sometimes these temporary placements evolve into long-lasting, permanent solutions.  In those instances, adoption is often a welcome and joyous option by all parties.  Regardless of your circumstance as a foster parent - whether a child is presently placed with you or not - Mr. Watson provides sound guidance on the path from foster placement to adoption.

Many adoptions occur between couples desirous to grow their family and women who are - for whatever reason - not in a place to care and provide for a child.  These opportunities arise from the most unexpected places when the adoptive parents least expect it.  And, these adoptions often move fast as the biological mother is normally pregnant with the child to be adopted.  Mr. Watson has experience in these cases, is able to streamline the process, and guide all parties to the desired outcome.

Domestic adoptions - where formal agencies are retained to find children in need of adoption - are usually emotional roller-coasters. And, they can be costly. Still, many loving couples choose to pursue adoption through this method. The duration from start to finish varies dramatically. An adoption agency is typically retained to assist in locating a birth-mother and to facilitate the process. Though the bulk of the adoption attorney's work occurs at the conclusion of the adoption process, Mr. Watson recommends consulting with an attorney early in the process.

The adoption of a child from another country is by far the most complex, expensive, and lengthy of adoptions. State and federal law and international treaties govern the process. Oftentimes, an agency or adoption service provider is required to assist with the adoption process. This provider must be accredited by the U.S. government. The process generally takes 1 to 5 years and can cost in excess of $30,000.  The U.S. Department of State provides in-depth information on the process via their website at U.S. Dept. of State | Intercountry Adoption.