Five Different Kinds of Adoptions in Illinois

 Posted on February 10, 2022 in Adoption

Couples and individuals considering adoption in Illinois are considering one of the most generous and loving acts a family or person could do. The adoption process is often long and complex and requires serious commitment and the help of experienced attorneys and other professionals to complete. For this reason, it is important to learn as much as possible about the different kinds of adoption in Illinois and which one may be right for you. 

Related Adoptions

A related adoption is an adoption between a child and another family member, including grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, or stepparents. Related adoptions often happen after a child’s parents have passed away or lost their parental rights. Related adoptions are often the most straightforward of all adoptions because a relationship already exists between the child and the prospective parent. 

Standby Adoptions

Standby adoptions are somewhat similar to related adoptions because a child’s parent must designate a person to be a child’s new guardian if a certain event, like a parent’s death or permanent incapacitation, takes place. Standby adoptions are generally used when a parent is terminally ill and the adoption is finalized when the parent has passed away. 

Private Adoptions

A private adoption is an adoption between two unrelated parties who do not use an adoption agency to facilitate the adoption. The adoptive parents will usually work directly with the child’s biological parents and the adoptive parents often receive the child right after birth. Both parties usually create an arrangement using the assistance of an attorney and may choose to have an open adoption, in which the biological parent stays in limited contact with the child. Even though the adoption is between two private parties, a state regulatory agency must ensure the adoptive parents are suitable for adopting a child. 

Agency Adoptions

An agency adoption takes place with the help of a private or public adoption agency with a child who is already a ward of the state. Adoption agencies are often religious organizations, charity groups, and other nonprofit entities. All agencies must be licensed with the Department of Children and Family Services, and many of these agencies also work with foster services. 

Adult Adoptions

If an adult has a close relationship with another adult with whom they have lived for at least two years, they may wish to pursue a formal adoption. Adult adoptions may be easier than child adoptions, but they are still not taken lightly. The prospective parent(s) must show why an adoption would benefit both the parent(s) and the adopted adult, such as if an aging stepparent wishes to ensure their stepchild has inheritance rights.

Call an Experienced Downtown Chicago Adoption Attorney

Adopting a child can be a wonderful, fulfilling experience, but the process is not easy. At The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C., we have experience working with all different types of adoptions and our skilled Gold Coast adoption attorney can help you work through the financial, legal, and logistical elements of the adoption process. To learn more about how you may benefit from our representation, schedule a free limited consultation by calling our offices today at 312-984-1514. 

Source: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2098&ChapterID=59