COMMON TYPES OF ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS IN OREGON
These are summaries of the common types of adoption proceedings in Oregon:
- Stepparent Adoptions
Stepparent adoptions are a very common type of adoption in Oregon. A stepparent adoption means that one of the child’s biological parents has remarried and the new spouse is adopting the child. The parental rights of the other biological parent are terminated and the child is legally considered the child of the couple. A homestudy is generally not required.
- Independent Adoptions
In adoption terminology, an independent adoption usually means the adoptive parents do not use the assistance of an adoption agency to locate a child for adoption; the adoptive parents handle that part of the process on their own. With an independent adoption, the adoptive parents are often not biologically related to the child. Birthparents and prospective adoptive parents often locate each other through friends, relatives, co-workers, social networks or the internet. In an independent adoption, the birthparents and adoptive parents each have their own attorneys. This is to ensure that all parties involved fully understand the process and the ramifications of an adoption. Also the attorneys ensure that the adoption paperwork is properly completed and help guide their clients through the adoption process.
- Agency Adoption
An “agency adoption” usually means the adoptive parents have used the services of a licensed adoption agency to locate the child for adoption. The adoption agency helps connect the adoptive parents with a child who is available for adoption. The adoption agency usually handles much of the initial paperwork, including performing an adoption homestudy and obtaining the consent of the birthparents to the adoption.
- International Re-Adoptions
Many people choose to adopt children from overseas. Many countries require that the adoptive parents adopt the child in the child’s home country before the adoptive parents may bring the child back to the U.S. After returning to the U.S., the adoptive parents go through another adoption process, sometimes referred to as a “re-adoption.” Whether re-adoption is required varies from country to country. However, the process is usually relatively straight-forward.
- Single Parent Adoption
In Oregon, a person does not have to be married or in a relationship to adopt a child. Single persons may adopt children. Single parent adoptions are treated much like Independent Adoptions (see above).
- Same Sex Partner Adoption
In Oregon, same sex couples may adopt children. Same sex partner adoptions are treated much like Independent Adoptions (see above).
- Adult Adoptions
In an adult adoption, the person to be adopted is an adult (over 18 years of age). Nevertheless, in adoption terminology, the person may still be referred to as a “child”, “adult child” or “adoptee”. In an adult adoption, the parental rights of the adoptee’s biological parents are terminated, and the adoptee is the legal child of the petitioner, for all legal intents and purposes. The consent of the biological parents is not required; however, is some cases, the Court may appoint an independent social worker (called a “visitor”) to ensure that everyone understands the ramifications of the adoption. By and large, adult adoptions are straight-forward proceedings.
If you would like more information about adoption and how I can assist you, please feel free to contact me.