Bringing another individual into your family can be an exciting time, but not knowing what to anticipate can make the process nerve-wracking. At Purdy Law Office, LLC, we understand the stress you are facing in such an undertaking. Our Harrisburg, PA, adoption lawyers are more than happy to guide you through the entire process and explain what Pennsylvania law expects from adoptive parents.
Types of Relative Adoptions We Handle
Purdy Law Office, LLC assists with both infant adoptions and the adoption of older children who have been part of a client’s family for an extended time. Relative adoptions that we have experience handling include, but are not limited to:
- Stepparents adopting their stepchildren
- Adults adopting their spouses’ children
- Grandparents adopting grandchildren they have raised
- An aunt, uncle, or other relative adopting a family member
- Non-relative caregivers adopting children
Termination of Parental Rights
Although the parents we work with want what is best for their child, there are times when severing the parental ties may be in your child’s best interest. Circumstances which may necessitate a termination of parental rights may occur when:
- A parent fails or refuses to follow through with parental responsibilities
- Continued contact with a parent threatens a child’s safety or welfare
- A parent fails to maintain contact with a child for an extended period of time
In every adoption that occurs in Pennsylvania, the birth parents must terminate their parental rights before the child is eligible for adoption. Under 23 Pa.C.S. §2502, when a child under the age of 18 has been under the exclusive care of a person that intends on adopting the child (such is the case for most foster parents) for a minimum of three days, the parents of the child are eligible to relinquish their parental rights to the child.
Our Harrisburg adoption lawyers have experience handling a myriad of situations and will advise you accordingly on your next steps. Every case requires sufficient evidence to show that termination of parental rights is in the child’s best interest.
A Harrisburg, PA, Adoption Lawyer with Compassion
If you are searching for a compassionate advocate to help you with an adoption, look no further than Purdy Law Office, LLC. Our Harrisburg, PA, adoption lawyers know that each family unit is unique, and we strive to tailor our services to meet your family’s needs. To schedule your risk-free consultation, contact us by phone or by completing the online intake form.