Adopting a child is a profound and rewarding journey, but it also involves a complex legal process. If you’re in Columbia, SC, and considering adoption, Melone Hatley, P.C. is here to guide you every step of the way.
Our lawyers will help you understand the process, meet your legal requirements, and address any challenges that may arise. Whether you’re pursuing private, public, or stepparent/relative adoption, we are committed to helping you reach your goals for your family.
Our Columbia family lawyers have over two decades of combined legal experience. Let us help you create the family you’ve always dreamed of. Call us to speak with our Client Services Coordinator during a free consultation.
Types of Adoption Our Columbia Attorneys Will Assist You With
Adoption is a beautiful way to create or expand your family, and understanding the different types of adoption available can help you choose the best path for your situation. Here are the primary types of adoption recognized in South Carolina.
Domestic Adoption
Domestic adoption involves adopting a child from within the United States. This process can include:
- Private adoption: Working directly with birth parents or through an adoption agency to place the child for adoption. This often allows for open communication between adoptive and birth families.
- Agency adoption: Adopting through a licensed adoption agency, which handles the legal and procedural aspects of the adoption process.
Public Adoption
There are hundreds of children of all ages in foster care in South Carolina in need of a forever home. One of the missions of the South Carolina Department of Social Services is to make sure children are in safe, loving, and permanent families. All families seeking to adopt must have an approved adoptive home study to adopt a South Carolina foster child.
A child/family who completes a public adoption may qualify for adoption assistance and adoption preservation services. Adoption assistance programs are designed to help parents meet the needs of children they adopt from foster care. Children can qualify for federal adoption assistance or state assistance, depending on the child’s eligibility determination and history.
Stepparent and Relative Adoption
Stepparent adoption occurs when a stepparent seeks to adopt their spouse’s child from a previous relationship. A relative adoption occurs when a relative, either by blood or marriage, of the child, often a grandparent or aunt/uncle, seeks to adopt a child. The South Carolina Adoption statute allows for these adoptions to take place without the requirement of certain formalities required with other adoptions.
Each type of adoption has its own legal requirements and emotional considerations. At Melone Hatley, P.C., our Columbia, SC, adoption lawyers are here to explain your options and help you find the right path for growing your family.
Our Lawyers Will Guide You Through the Adoption Process in Columbia, South Carolina
The adoption process in South Carolina involves several steps, each with specific legal requirements. At Melone Hatley, P.C., our attorneys are committed to guiding you through each stage to ensure a smooth and successful experience. Here’s a detailed overview of the adoption process in South Carolina.
Initial Consultation
The first step is to consult with our experienced adoption attorney in Columbia. During this meeting, we will:
- Discuss your goals and preferences regarding adoption.
- Review the types of adoption available under South Carolina law, including domestic, international, and stepparent adoption.
- Outline the legal requirements and necessary documentation, including relevant statutes in S.C. Code Ann. 63-9-10, et seq., also referred to as the South Carolina Adoption Act, which governs the adoption process.
Home Study Requirements
In certain adoptions, an adoptive home study is a crucial part of the adoption process. This assessment involves:
- Background Checks: Criminal history and child abuse registry checks for all household members, ensuring a safe environment for your adoptive child.
- Interviews: Meetings with a licensed social worker to discuss your family dynamics, parenting philosophy, and readiness for adoption.
- Home Visits: Evaluations of your living environment to confirm it is safe and suitable for your adoptive child.
Family Court Proceedings
Any adoption in South Carolina will require a final court hearing. Also, for every adoption in South Carolina, the court will appoint a Guardian ad Litem to represent the best interest of teh child. During this hearing:
- Our attorney will present the case to the judge, demonstrating that all legal requirements in your particular adoption have been met.
- The judge will review the adoption petition and may ask questions to ensure that the adoption is in the best interest of the child.
- If approved, the judge will issue an adoption decree, finalizing the adoption and granting you legal parental rights.
- Unless ordered by the court, all adoption proceedings and the court filings are confidential and the court file will be sealed.
Columbia Adoption
Lawyer Near Me
(839) 213-4545
Our Columbia Adoption Lawyers Provide Client-Focused Legal Care
Our attorneys have diligently helped many clients with family legal matters. We have the knowledge and resources to assist with your adoption case, and we will provide you with personalized legal services.
We tailor our approach to suit your unique family circumstances and goals while making ourselves available to address any questions or concerns that arise throughout the process. Our client testimonials demonstrate our commitment to our clients and their families.
Call Melone Hatley, P.C., for Help From Our Adoption Lawyer in Columbia, SC
Adoption is a life-changing journey that brings families together. At Melone Hatley, P.C., we are committed to providing you with guidance and support regarding the variety of legal requirements and considerations involved in the adoption process.
If you’re ready to start your adoption journey, contact us for a free consultation. Let our Columbia lawyers handle your adoption case and help you create the family you’ve always dreamed of with confidence and care.
