Millions of children could benefit from the support of a new household or an additional parent. Whether you want to open your heart and your home to someone halfway across the country or someone already in your life, adoption is a great option for many people. However, the adoption process has serious legal implications. Enlist the services of adoption lawyers near Lake Havasu City, AZ to help you navigate the process.
Legal Considerations When Adopting a Child
When you adopt a child, you become the child’s legal guardian and parent. You will be legally required to provide for the child’s needs financially until they reach adulthood. When you take on this responsibility, it alleviates the responsibility of the existing parents. The biological parent or parents won’t have to pay child support.
The child will also be seen as your child in the eyes of your law when you die, so they will become a beneficiary to your estate unless you establish a living will that states otherwise.
Child Adoption Process
When you decide to adopt a child, you must have the approval of the biological parents. You may need to seek out formal approval if that hasn’t already been established. Once you have approval, adoption lawyers near Lake Havasu City, AZ will help you file the appropriate paperwork. You will need to submit your finances and have your home examined as part of the approval process. Once approved, there will be a separate court hearing to change the child’s last name.
