Adoption Attorneys
Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point
Get an experienced, trusted, and compassionate legal team on your side.
- Adoption Attorneys in North Carolina
- Types of Adoption We Help With
- What does an Adoption Attorney do?
- Complex Legal Process
- What is the Process to Adopt a Child?
- What are the Steps to Adopting a Child through an Agency?
- The Difference between Open and Closed Adoptions
- Terminating Parental Rights (TPR)
- Irrevocable Nature
- Name Changes
- Visit One of Our Office Locations
Four convenient offices in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point, NC!
Contact an Attorney Today
Four convenient offices in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point!
Contact an Attorney Today!
Adoption Attorneys in North Carolina
At Dummit Fradin, we understand the significance of your journey to expand your family through adoption. Our trusted adoption attorneys are committed to guiding you every step of the way. With us, you’ll have unwavering support throughout the entire adoption process, ensuring you never face the complexities alone.
What does an Adoption Attorney do?
Imagine having an expert navigator for the exciting (but sometimes confusing) journey of adoption! That’s what an adoption attorney does. They’re there to help individuals and families like yours understand the legal steps, paperwork, and options involved in bringing a child into your loving home. They can answer your questions, guide you through each stage, and make sure everything is done correctly, so you can focus on the joy of welcoming a new family member.
Read our Family Law Blog
Preparing for Divorce in NC Checklist
It is important to prepare for divorce or separation as early as possible in the process. Even a “simple” divorce can result in complications. This can happen by not [...]
5 Child Custody Mistakes to Avoid
For many parents involved in a divorce or separation, child custody becomes one of the top concerns. That's why we've created a list of 5 common child custody mistakes parents [...]
Adoption in Winston-Salem,
Greensboro, and High Point
If you are looking to open up your heart and home to a child through adoption, an experienced adoption attorney becomes your trusted guide on the journey to creating or expanding your family. Whether you dream of adopting a newborn, an older child, or siblings who wish to stay together, an adoption attorney can help you navigate the legal intricacies specific to your unique situation.
Their expertise goes beyond the courtroom; they are a source of invaluable support, offering legal advice, ensuring compliance with adoption laws, and assisting with the preparation of necessary documents. They are there to champion your cause, working to make your dream of building a loving family a legal reality.
Navigating the adoption process can be both rewarding and challenging, and having someone knowledgeable by your side ensures that you are well-informed, empowered, and equipped to handle any legal complications that may arise.
So, if you are ready to embark on the beautiful journey of adoption, let Dummit Fradin be your ally in making the process as smooth and fulfilling as possible.
What does an Adoption Attorney do?
Imagine having an expert navigator for the exciting (but sometimes confusing) journey of adoption! That’s what an adoption attorney does. They’re there to help individuals and families like yours understand the legal steps, paperwork, and options involved in bringing a child into your loving home. They can answer your questions, guide you through each stage, and make sure everything is done correctly, so you can focus on the joy of welcoming a new family member.
Complex Legal Process
Adoption is a complex legal process that involves transferring parental rights from one set of parents to another set. In North Carolina, a comprehensive framework of adoption laws are in place to help protect and safeguard the interests of children, expectant parents, and adoptive families, providing crucial protection throughout the entire process.
What is the Process to Adopt a Child?
The length and complexity of the adoption process depends on the type of adoption and the cooperation of involved parties. Once the child is cleared for adoption, which involves parental consent or termination of parental rights, the process typically takes about three to four months. Filing the adoption petition promptly, along with providing necessary documents such as the child’s birth certificate and relevant court orders, can expedite the process. The paperwork and timeline vary based on the type of adoption, and a pre-placement assessment may be required. Consulting with a lawyer helps you understand the specific steps involved. After finalization, the adoption decree is sent to vital records for a new birth certificate, a process that may take some time.
Dummit Fradin offers assistance with the adoption process and we encourage you to contact us for guidance through what can be a complicated process.
Complex Legal Process
Adoption is a complex legal process that involves transferring parental rights from one set of parents to another set. In North Carolina, a comprehensive framework of adoption laws are in place to help protect and safeguard the interests of children, expectant parents, and adoptive families, providing crucial protection throughout the entire process.
What is the Process to Adopt a Child?
The length and complexity of the adoption process depends on the type of adoption and the cooperation of involved parties. Once the child is cleared for adoption, which involves parental consent or termination of parental rights, the process typically takes about three to four months. Filing the adoption petition promptly, along with providing necessary documents such as the child’s birth certificate and relevant court orders, can expedite the process. The paperwork and timeline vary based on the type of adoption, and a pre-placement assessment may be required. Consulting with a lawyer helps you understand the specific steps involved. After finalization, the adoption decree is sent to vital records for a new birth certificate, a process that may take some time. Dummit Fradin in North Carolina offers assistance with the adoption process and we encourage you to contact us for guidance through what can be a complicated process.
What are the Steps to Adopting through an Agency?
- Choose an agency, local DSS, or private adoption agency.
- Attend an orientation meeting with your chosen agency.
- Complete TIPS-MAPP course. Adoptive families may choose to participate in this, but some agencies may make it mandatory.
- Completion of Pre-Placement Assessment. A PPA is your adoptive home study. If you want to adopt through an agency you must have a PPA. PPA’s must be updated every 18 months or when a significant change occurs within your family or household.
- File your PPA for children in need of an adoptive home or be matched for adoption with a child you are already fostering.
- Once matched, you will have meetings and develop a transition plan to move the child to your home.
- Complete the legal adoption process, culminating in a final decree of adoption.
Please note, once you have an approved PPA, you can register with AdoptUSKids to make inquiries regarding children available for adoption. You also have the option of registering with the NC Kids office. It is not mandatory and it’s completion does not guarantee a match. It’s just an alternative on your adoption journey. You will need to complete and submit the NC Kids Family Registration Form.
The Difference between Open and Closed Adoptions
There are three forms of adoption: open, closed, and semi-open. The main differences between them lies in the level of contact and information exchange between birth parent, adoptive parents, and the adoptive child.
Open Adoption
In an open adoption, there is ongoing contact and communication. The contact can take various forms, including letters, emails, phone calls or even in-person visits. There is an open exchange of information. Information that is usually exchanged is:
- Birth Family
- Medical History
- Child’s Background
Open adoptions have more transparency and a collaborative approach, allowing involvement in the child’s life.
Closed Adoption
In a closed adoption, there is little to no contact between the birth parents and the adoptive family. The identities of the birth parents may be kept confidential, and communication is typically mediated through the adoptive agency. Details about the birth family may be limited or completely sealed. In some cases, the adopted child may not have access to information about their biological family. Closed adoptions prioritize privacy and confidentiality, with the understanding that the adopted child’s and birth parents’ identities remain undisclosed.
Semi-Open Adoption
It is important to note that there is also a middle-ground option known as a semi-open adoption. In this form, there is some level of communication and information exchange maintained, often through the adoption agency.
What are the Steps to Adopting a Child through an Agency?
- Choose an agency, local DSS, or private adoption agency.
- Attend an orientation meeting with your chosen agency.
- Complete TIPS-MAPP course. Adoptive families may choose to participate in this, but some agencies may make it mandatory.
- Completion of Pre-Placement Assessment. A PPA is your adoptive home study. If you want to adopt through an agency you must have a PPA. PPA’s must be updated every 18 months or when a significant change occurs within your family or household.
- File your PPA for children in need of an adoptive home or be matched for adoption with a child you are already fostering.
- Once matched, you will have meetings and develop a transition plan to move the child to your home.
- Complete the legal adoption process, culminating in a final decree of adoption.
Please note, once you have an approved PPA, you can register with AdoptUSKids to make inquiries regarding children available for adoption. You also have the option of registering with the NC Kids office. It is not mandatory and it’s completion does not guarantee a match. It’s just an alternative on your adoption journey. You will need to complete and submit the NC Kids Family Registration Form.
The Difference between Open and Closed Adoptions
There are three forms of adoption: open, closed, and semi-open. The main differences between them lies in the level of contact and information exchange between birth parent, adoptive parents, and the adoptive child.
Open Adoption
In an open adoption, there is ongoing contact and communication. The contact can take various forms, including letters, emails, phone calls or even in-person visits. There is an open exchange of information. Information that is usually exchanged is:
- Birth Family
- Medical History
- Child’s Background
Open adoptions have more transparency and a collaborative approach, allowing involvement in the child’s life.
Closed Adoption
In a closed adoption, there is little to no contact between the birth parents and the adoptive family. The identities of the birth parents may be kept confidential, and communication is typically mediated through the adoptive agency. Details about the birth family may be limited or completely sealed. In some cases, the adopted child may not have access to information about their biological family. Closed adoptions prioritize privacy and confidentiality, with the understanding that the adopted child’s and birth parents’ identities remain undisclosed.
Semi-Open Adoption
It is important to note that there is also a middle-ground option known as a semi-open adoption. In this form, there is some level of communication and information exchange maintained, often through the adoption agency.
Terminating Parental Rights (TPR)
In some cases, if the biological parent is unlikely to consent to the adoption, a TPR might be required. Termination of parental rights is a legal process by which a parent’s rights and responsibilities are permanently severed by a court. This typically means that the parent is no longer legally recognized as the child’s parent, and they lose the right to make decisions regarding the child’s upbringing and welfare.
This is feasible when the other parent has not been involved in the child’s life for 6 or more months. “Involved” includes spending time with the child, communicating with the child, inquiring about the well-being of the child, sending cards/gifts to the child, and/or paying child support. It’s a very serious action, ultimately determined not only by proving statutory grounds but also by judicial discretion.
There are several grounds for termination:
- Abandonment
- Neglect or Abuse
- Substance Abuse
- Mental Health Issues
- Criminal Activity
- Failure to Support
Termination of parental rights often involves court proceedings. The court will consider all evidence and make a determination in the best interest of the child.
In some cases, parents may voluntarily choose to relinquish their rights.
Irrevocable Nature
It is very important to note that the termination of parental rights is often irrevocable, meaning that once the rights are terminated, the parent generally cannot later regain those rights.
The legal requirements and procedures for terminating parental rights can vary, so it is crucial to consult with a family law attorney who can provide the best legal assistance for you.
Terminating Parental Rights (TPR)
In some cases, if the biological parent is unlikely to consent to the adoption, a TPR might be required. Termination of parental rights is a legal process by which a parent’s rights and responsibilities are permanently severed by a court. This typically means that the parent is no longer legally recognized as the child’s parent, and they lose the right to make decisions regarding the child’s upbringing and welfare.
This is feasible when the other parent has not been involved in the child’s life for 6 or more months. “Involved” includes spending time with the child, communicating with the child, inquiring about the well-being of the child, sending cards/gifts to the child, and/or paying child support. It’s a very serious action, ultimately determined not only by proving statutory grounds but also by judicial discretion.
There are several grounds for termination:
- Abandonment
- Neglect or Abuse
- Substance Abuse
- Mental Health Issues
- Criminal Activity
- Failure to Support
Termination of parental rights often involves court proceedings. The court will consider all evidence and make a determination in the best interest of the child.
In some cases, parents may voluntarily choose to relinquish their rights.
Irrevocable Nature
It is very important to note that the termination of parental rights is often irrevocable, meaning that once the rights are terminated, the parent generally cannot later regain those rights.
The legal requirements and procedures for terminating parental rights can vary, so it is crucial to consult with a family law attorney who can provide the best legal assistance for you.
Name Changes
People choose to change their name for various reasons, and the decision to change it is often a very personal one. A name can be a profound expression of individual identity and autonomy. For some, it may represent a significant step towards self-discovery, self-empowerment, or embracing a new chapter in their life. The motivations behind a name change can be deeply rooted in personal growth, cultural connection, or the pursuit of a more authentic and meaningful identity. Overall, the decision to change one’s name reflects the unique and diverse aspects of personal identity and the multifaceted reasons that drive this deeply personal choice.
Reasons for name changes include:
- Marriage/Divorce
- Cultural/Religious Reasons
- Gender Identity
- Dislike of Current Name
- Adoption
- Personal Growth
Hiring an attorney to help you change your name will help take some of the pressure off of you to make sure everything is in order. An attorney can give you expertise, guidance, protection, and peace of mind. Knowing someone with experience handling the legal details can alleviate the worry associated with it as well as minimize the risk of errors.
If you would like help on the journey to your new identity contact one of our family law attorneys for assistance.
Name Changes
People choose to change their name for various reasons, and the decision to change it is often a very personal one. A name can be a profound expression of individual identity and autonomy. For some, it may represent a significant step towards self-discovery, self-empowerment, or embracing a new chapter in their life. The motivations behind a name change can be deeply rooted in personal growth, cultural connection, or the pursuit of a more authentic and meaningful identity. Overall, the decision to change one’s name reflects the unique and diverse aspects of personal identity and the multifaceted reasons that drive this deeply personal choice.
Reasons for name changes include:
- Marriage/Divorce
- Cultural/Religious Reasons
- Gender Identity
- Dislike of Current Name
- Adoption
- Personal Growth
Hiring an attorney to help you change your name will help take some of the pressure off of you to make sure everything is in order. An attorney can give you expertise, guidance, protection, and peace of mind. Knowing someone with experience handling the legal details can alleviate the worry associated with it as well as minimize the risk of errors.
If you would like help on the journey to your new identity contact one of our family law attorneys for assistance.
Visit One of Our Office Locations
Winston-Salem
Criminal and Immigration Attorneys
1133 West First Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 485-4907
Winston-Salem
Family Law Attorneys
3400 Healy Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
(336) 962-7221
Greensboro
Criminal Attorneys
328 E. Market Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 360-5528
High Point
Criminal, Family, & Injury Law Attorneys
820 North Elm Street
High Point, NC 27262
(336) 814-8118
Our service area includes Alamance County, Davidson County, Davie County, Forsyth County, Guilford County, Randolph County, Surry County, Stokes County, and Yadkin County.