Family attorneys specialize in a broad range of cases that include adoptions, prenuptial agreements, guardianships, divorces, estate planning, and other matters that don’t hold any specific area of specialization. Most people that use family attorneys typically use them over and over, and many of them have had the same family attorney for years. A good family lawyer in Miami FL will have a high level of expertise in family law, and if you need something outside of their professional scope, then they will be able to refer you to attorneys that they are familiar with.
The Complexity of International Adoption Compared to Domestic Adoption
If you are thinking about adopting a child, then you will definitely need the services of a family lawyer. The type of representation that you need will depend on whether or not you are adopting domestically or internationally. The process has the same end result, but international adoptions will take a lot longer to process, because there is a lot more paperwork involved, and you have to comply with many more requirements than you would if you adopted domestically. International adoptions will cost a lot more money as well because there are many more factors involved. It is wise to use the services of a reputable adoption agency, in addition to a good family lawyer that has a lot of experience in adoptions. You will have to meet a home study requirement, so a representative from the adoption agency may walk through your home to make sure that it is a safe environment for a child. They will also have an interview with you and your spouse if you are married, just to get an idea of your stability. You must be financially able to care for a child in any non-family adoption case.
Hiring the Best Legal Counsel in Miami FL You Can Streamline and Adoption Process
Before beginning the adoption process, you should know that it could last anywhere from a few months if you are adopting a child domestically, to several years if you are trying to do it internationally. There is often a waiting list for infants in the United States, which is part of the reason that people go international to adopt in the first place. If you are willing to take a child that is a little older, then you will not be required to wait. The foster care system is loaded with children who are waiting to be adopted. Your attorney will be able to help you ensure that you are meeting all of the state requirements that are involved so that you don’t have any unforeseen delays.
